1. Warm Up
Objective: Scientists will describe the physiology of the cardiovascular system by analyzing the lab.
1. What is the topic?
2. What will you be doing?
3. Why is this important?
4. How will you know if you have done well?

2. Warm Up
Objective: Scientists will describe the physiology of the cardiovascular system by analyzing the lab.
1. What is the topic? Physiology of the cardiovascular system
2. What will you be doing? Analyzing a lab
3. Why is this important? Understand ourselves, career choice, life lesson
4. How will you know if you have done well? Able to describe the physiology of the cardiovascular system; completed work

3. Oxygen and the Cardiovascular System
The main function of the cardiovascular system is transport. In this case, oxygen needs to be transported to the cells and carbon dioxide removed. If carbon dioxide is not removed, the pH of your blood can change and become more acidic. Too much carbon dioxide in your blood can lead to fatigue, dizziness, rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate. A way to measure the oxygen levels in your blood is to use a pulse oximeter. This device can monitor the blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Normal range of blood oxygen is 95-99%. This measurement may be lower for people who live at high altitudes.

4. Oxygen and the Cardiovascular System
Take your blood oxygen saturation at rest and record.

5. Blood Pressure and the Cardiovascular System
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the artery tube while blood flows through the arteries. The pressure measured when the heart contracts and sends blood out of the heart is systolic (highest) blood pressure. The pressure measured when the heart dilates with blood flowing back into the heart is called diastolic (lowest) blood pressure. This measurement is important to monitor as low and high blood pressures are associated with various health problems. High blood pressure has a strong correlation with cardiovascular disease.

6. Blood Pressure and the Cardiovascular System

7. Heart Rate and the Cardiovascular System
Heart rate, also known as your pulse, is the number of contractions (beats) of the heart per minute (bpm). Heart rate can vary according to the body’s physical needs. Athletes may have a lower rate because their hearts are trained to more efficiently pump blood. The average resting heart rate is beats per minute, however, doctors have some conflicting thoughts on this. Studies have shown that a heart rate of beats per minute is healthier and at less risk of developing heart disease.

8. Blood Pressure and Heart Rate and the Cardiovascular System
Take your blood pressure at rest and record.
Take your heart rate at rest and record.

9. Experiment!
Using the devices and instructions, develop an experiment on the effect of exercise, body position, and/or stress on heart rate, blood pressure, and/or blood oxygen saturation.