How does our pulse change when we exercise?

In our Science unit this term, Circulatory System and Healthy Lifestyles, Year 6 are exploring a range of enquiry questions and this week it was: What effects do lifestyle choices have on my body?

To explore this, we completed an experiment where we measured our pulse rate at various times before and after vigorous exercise. Starting by finding our pulse, we were all able to either find it in our wrist or neck which allowed us to measure our resting heart rate in bpm. Following this came the exercise, a sustained period of star jumping and jogging to really get our hearts’ racing. We then took our heart rate immediately after, 2 minutes after, 5 minutes after, 10 minutes after and 20 minutes after.

This provided us with data to plot on a line graph where we could then analyse any trends that we noticed with our heart rates. We discovered that our heart rate was fastest immediately after doing exercise and then it gradually came down over time until it returned to its resting heart rate. After discussion and learning about why our heart needs to work harder, we found out that our heart rate increases to ensure all of our body receives enough oxygen to keep going.

Well done Mandela!

Mr Howley