Exploring the Making Connections Lab for NYS Regents Living Environment

Dr. Weaver guides students through the 'Making Connections' lab, focusing on measuring pulse rates at rest and after exercise. The lab involves data analysis using histograms and understanding the bell curve. Factors affecting pulse rates, such as age and activity, are discussed. The video also covers the impact of exercise on pulse rate and energy needs, highlighting the role of the circulatory and respiratory systems. The second part of the lab involves a clothespin squeezing experiment, where students explore the effects of exercise on muscle performance and learn to make scientific claims.

Why do we measure the pulse rate for 20 seconds and then multiply by three?

• To make the process faster

• To avoid errors in counting

• Because 20 seconds is one-third of a minute

• To get a more accurate reading

What is the purpose of conducting three trials when measuring pulse rate?

• To practice measuring pulse rate

• To make the experiment more interesting

• To compare different methods

• To ensure the results are consistent

What is a histogram used for in this lab?

• To display the results of a single trial

• To compare pulse rates before and after exercise

• To tally the number of individuals in different categories

• To show the average pulse rate

What shape does a bell curve resemble?

• A straight line

• A bell

• A triangle

• A circle

Which factors can affect resting pulse rate?

• Age, weight, and height

• Time of day

• Weather conditions

• Type of food eaten

Why does the heart rate increase after exercise?

• To cool down the body

• To deliver more oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells

• To remove waste products

• To regulate body temperature

What are mitochondria responsible for in muscle cells?

• Storing energy

• Producing ATP

• Transporting oxygen

• Breaking down nutrients

What is one reason some people can squeeze the clothespin more times the second time?

• They are more relaxed

• Their muscles are warmed up

• They are less tired

• They have better technique

What is a control group used for in an experiment?

• To ensure all participants are the same age

• To compare results against a standard

• To increase the sample size

• To test a new variable

Why is it important to have a large sample size in an experiment?

• To ensure the results are valid and believable

• To include more variables

• To reduce the time needed for the experiment

• To make the experiment more interesting