Scientific method

Today we will be looking at running experiments so that you can make solid conclusions.  ANswer the following in your books:

1. What was this study investigating?  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/01/020118075002.htm
2. Use the link from above to explain what the independent variable in this test was.
3. Why do you think the sample size is so large for this experiment? - http://heapro.oxfordjournals.org/content/12/4/291.abstract
4. Explain the difference between type I and type II errors, and how you can minimise the chance of them occuring. - http://www.experiment-resources.com/type-I-error.html
5. What information should you include in the discussion? - http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/ug/research/paper.html
6. Explain one common mistake often made in experiments - http://teacher.pas.rochester.edu/phy_labs/appendixe/appendixe.html

Try this once you're finished - http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/new

Assignment 3

For our next assignment we will be designing and carrying out an experiment, then interpreting and discussing our results.  To prepare for this, try ad define the following key terms using the internet:
Independent variable
Dependant variable
Control variable
Precision (in relation to experiments)
Accuracy
Reliable
Sample size
Average
Statistics
Hypothesis
Conclusion

Fill these in using your books, and wwe will be spending more time in class on these.

Assignment work

Today we will be finishing our assignment on the heart.

1. There is one criteria for the pass - the work on the post below.  Make sure you have written in YOUR OWN WORDS (your own words) and taken your averages correctly.
2. For the merit, you need to complete the poster that we started in class last week. Remember, you need to explain what the cardiovascular is, what it does and why it does it.  If you have time, feel free to find some diagrams from online to help you explain the information on your poster.

This link has some good information on the cardiovascular system - http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/c/the-cardiovascular-system

There is no distinction criteria for this assignment, but everyone in class should be aiming for a merit.

Assignment

Today we will be completing work for the pass section of the cardiovascular assignment.  The pass criteria is to 'take measurements of the cardiovascular system, relating the resultsto the function of the cardiovascular system.'
To do this we will complete the following activities and write up your results in a word document:

1. Take your resting heart rate.  Use the link below if you are unsure about finding your pulse, and record the amount of beats per minute in a table.  Do this three times and take an average, all while sitting still and not moving too much. - http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2024.aspx?CategoryID=52&SubCategoryID=145
2. Do 30 seconds of exercise, and then take your heart rate again.  You could do star jumps in class, or quickly walk up and down the stairs twice outside the room.  As soon as you finish, take your heart rate in beats per minute.  Repeat the exercise once more and measure your pulse again.  Record both numbers and then take an average.
3. Compare the two averages from your table.  How are they different? Why might this be? Explain why your pulse is generally lower when resting, and higher when exercising. - http://www.livestrong.com/article/345679-why-does-my-heart-rate-get-really-high-when-exercising/
4. List and describe some other factors that can affect heart rate - http://www.heartmonitors.com/exercisetips/changing_heartrate.htm Explain WHY these factors cuase changes in heart rates.