Investigating Homeostasis Through Heart Rate and Exercise
Science Lab · Grade 7
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science_lab
Pre Lab
Background: Your body is an amazing machine that works constantly to keep its internal conditions stable — even when the world around you is always changing. This ability to maintain a stable internal environment is called **homeostasis**. The word comes from Greek roots meaning 'same' and 'standing still.' Think of homeostasis like a thermostat in your house: when the temperature drops too low, the heater turns on; when it gets too warm, the heater shuts off. Your body does something similar with dozens of conditions at the same time, including temperature, blood sugar levels, oxygen levels, and water balance.
One of the most important systems involved in homeostasis is the **cardiovascular system**, which includes your heart and blood vessels. Your heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to every cell in your body. When you exercise, your muscle cells need more oxygen and produce more carbon dioxide as waste. Your body detects this change and responds by increasing your **heart rate** — the number of times your heart beats per minute. This faster pumping delivers more oxygen to working muscles and removes waste products more quickly. This response is your body actively working to restore balance and maintain homeostasis.
After you stop exercising, your body continues to work to return to its **resting heart rate** — the number of heartbeats per minute when your body is calm and at rest. The time it takes for your heart rate to return to its resting level is called the **recovery time**. Scientists and doctors use recovery time as an indicator of cardiovascular fitness. In this lab, you will act as scientists by measuring your own heart rate at rest, during exercise, and at several intervals after exercise. You will use this data to investigate how the body uses homeostasis to respond to and recover from physical stress.
Vocabulary
Term: Homeostasis
Definition: The process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment even when external conditions change
Term: Heart rate
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Post Lab
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