Middle School Science Lessons

The heart rate lab is a classic Life Science activity for the circulatory system. It is also a fun way to collect data and to analyze results. Included are the results from my 7th graders. (updated 4/26/25)

Objectives: students will collect heart rate data while completing a series of activities.

Materials:

• Lab instructions – Google Doc, make a copy to edit
  • Old version: handout (pdf)
• Data Collection– Collect Individual and class data, will also calculate and graph averages for you. Google Sheets, make a copy to edit
• Online stopwatch – I use this whenever I need a timer, there is full screen mode and other options

Before starting the activity, have the students practice finding their pulses and counting. I find that they are more easily able to find their pulse on their neck (carotid) near their jaw.

For the lab, students will first get a baseline for their heart rate. They average their sitting and standing pulse and use that pulse to compare the other activities to. Each student will then make their own hypothesis, which activity will have the highest pulse? The lowest pulse?

Class management tip: We did each step of the lab together, and I kept time using the online stopwatch on the screen. That way, we were all jogging in place or doing jumping jacks at the same time.

Students recorded their data on to their personal Google Sheet and entered data onto a shared copy.