Begin the class with a discussion and review of the previous lesson. Students should recall the salient points of that lesson. Ask students to predict who would have a higher heart rate: a child or an adult. Discuss students' responses.
Next, ask students to identify factors which may impact the heart rate of an adult. Students might suggest the following:
- Diet
- Age
- Daily exercise
- Weight
- Other genetic factors
Distribute a copy of the What's the Beat? activity sheet to each student.
Have the students read the introductory statement, which gives the number of heartbeats per minute for the average adult at rest. Remind students that this is only an average and that people's heart rates may vary.
Have the students determine, using the average adult heart rate, the number of heartbeats for each length of time listed in question 1. Students should use be prepared to discuss how they arrived at their answers.
A range of answers is acceptable, even encouraged, depending on how the students solved the problems. For example, some students may find the number of heartbeats in a day and then multiply by 28, 29, 30, or 31. To get the number of heartbeats in a month. Others may find the number of heartbeats in a week and multiply by 4 to obtain the number of heartbeats in a month. Some students may use 52 weeks, and others, 365 days, in determining the number of heartbeats in a year. The ranges in the responses should be discussed.
Using the answers in question 1, have the students complete questions 2‑4 and discuss their responses.
Next, have the students complete question 5. Discuss the students' responses and conclusions.
An answer key is provided for you to check student responses on the activity sheet.
