Marine Mammal Diving Reflex



 
 
 

Overview/Introduction:

Marine mammals exhibit and ability to lower their pulserates and peripheral blood pressure in order to stay under water for longer periods of time. Marine biologists believe that this reflex is triggered by the response of nerves to the cold water. In this laboratory, heart rate monitors can be used to see if humans also exhibit the marine mammal diving reflex. Vernier's Heart Rate Monitor program analyzes the data. This Lesson is part of an integrated science unit that emphasizes mathematics, the scientific method and the cardiovascular system. While students use the data to construct their own line graphs, the software allows students to estimate their graphs and check their work.
 

Purpose or Objective:

Students will measure pulse rate while holding their breath under three conditions: control, warm water and ice water and ice water to determine if humans exhibit the marine mammal diving reflex.

Time Required:
Materials, Tools, and Resources Needed:

Computers, Universal Lab Interfaces (ULIs), Vernier Heart Rate Monitor software, heart rate monitors, tubs, ice, source of water, bleach, towels Alternative: Computer Based laboratories, TI 83 graphing calculators, Logger Pro Software, heart rate monitors, tubs, ice, source of water, bleach, towels

Teacher Preparation:
 
 Set up probeware. Load software. Attach heart rate monitors to ULIs and CPU by connecting the ULI board to the computer's modem port. Connect the power adapter to the ULI and plug in the heart rate monitor to DIN1. Attach the ear clip to the monitor. Turn on the ULI. Rinse tubs of water with a solution of bleach between class periods to avoid passing disease. Obtain ice and paper towels.

Prerequisite Student Knowledge:

 

Familiarity with probeware:

How to collect class data

How to make a line graph

Procedure:
 
Discuss marine mammal diving reflex using background reading and graph. Choose test subjects, "Equipment Protector", computer technician, and data collector for each lab group. Discuss lab procedures and conduct lab, using procedure in lab handout. Complete lab write up after discussing data.  
 

Student Handouts/ Record Sheets:
 
 

Student Discussion Questions:
 
   

Assessment:
 

Rubric:
 
 

4: Hypothesis, objective, conclusion agree. Line graph is correctly constructed. Clear written analysis of line graph. Lab report is complete and through.

3: Hypothesis, objective, conclusion mostly agree. Line graph is correctly constructed. Written analysis of line graph included. Lab report is complete.

2: Hypothesis, objective, conclusion do not agree but are done, Line graph is not correctly constructed and lacks even increments. No written analysis of line graph. Some parts of data or lab reports are missing.

1: Lab report is incomplete. Data is missing. Student exhibits little or no understanding of line graphs or marine reflex. Grade_______ Subject:__________

 

Handouts:
 

The Marine Mammal Diving Reflex Introduction

Recovery of Pulse Rate After Exercise

Assessment 3: Speed and Line Graph form A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Grade: 10 Subject: Biology

 California Content Standards Addressed:
 
  How the complementary activity of major body systems provides cells with oxygen and nutrients, and removes toxic waste products such as carbon dioxide

Select and use appropriate tools and technology (such as computer linked probes, spread sheets, and graphing calculators) to perform test, collect data, analyze, relationships, and display data.
 

National Education Technology Standards for Students Addressed:

 

1. Basic operations and concepts Student demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. Students are proficient in the use of technology.

5. Technology research tools Students use technology tools to process data and report results.

6. Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.