Exercise Physiology: The Response of Metabolic Rate to Physical Activity

Abstract:: In this lab, students measure their heart rate, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production in various physical activities on a treadmill or cycle ergometer. After learning the techniques in the first lab period, each group of 3-4 students designs an independent investigation that is performed during the second lab period. To measure metabolic rate, students collect expired air in a Douglas bag, then measure the volume, the temperature, and the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide. With this technique, students can investigate the energetic cost of walking and running, effects of going uphill and downhill, efficiency of muscles, effect on muscle efficiency of varying force and velocity of shortening, relative amounts of fats and carbohydrates metabolized at different activity levels, and many other topics.

Read the Fine Print

Investigating Animal Respiration with Electronic Probes

Abstract:: This computer-assisted investigation allows students to explore the effect of variables on animal respiration using research-quality instrumentation. The model investigation is with a lizard (anole) exposed to a range of temperatures that are only moderately stressful and do no harm. The animal is contained in a transparent chamber with gas inlet and outlet ports and an electronic thermometer. Carbon dioxide-free air is pumped at a constant rate into the chamber. The outgoing air enriched in carbon dioxide passes in turn through an electronic oxygen sensor, a simple drying apparatus, and an electronic carbon dioxide sensor that measures concentration by absorption of infra-red light. Analog voltage signals from the sensors are electronically converted to digital with an interface device and displayed by computer software. Additional experimental questions students may ask and other animals students may use are suggested.

Read the Fine Print

Abstract:: This workshop demonstrates on-line use of the national electronic bulletin board, complete with electronic mail started in 1987 by the National Association of Biology Teachers. Once on-line, 14 special interest areas are available, such as AP- Biology, magazine and book reviews, ABT Journal, NABT membership services, question and answer forum, software reviews, and swap/sale of used equipment. Also available for downloading onto your computer are extensive files of labs, graphics, and handouts. Discussions of this and other databases will emphasize the power of these new professional communication tools. Note: This workshop is not included in the published proceedings volume because it was not submitted by the author.

Read the Fine Print

Abstract:: This exercise should give students an understanding of the processes of photosynthesis and respiration as well as the concepts of succession, diversity, and energy utilization by observing and comparing control and experimental microecosystems.