Heartbeat Hustle

Melissa Dupuis

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Heartbeat Hustle

Explore heart rate changes with exercise

In this interactive lesson, students will explore how physical activity affects heart rate through various exercises and games. They will learn the basics of heart physiology and track changes in their heart rate during different activities. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the connection between physical activity and cardiovascular health, promoting awareness of healthy lifestyle choices.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Explore heart rate changes with exercise

Materials

Stopwatches or timers, Heart rate monitors (optional), Worksheet: Heart Rate Tracking, and Discussion: Heart Physiology and Exercise

Step 1

Introduction to Heart Physiology

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on the heart's function and its role in the circulatory system.
Explain how physical activity can affect heart rate.
Use a simple diagram to illustrate heart anatomy.

Step 2

Activity: Heart Rate Measurement

15 mins

Distribute stopwatches or timers to students.
Instruct students on how to measure their resting heart rate.
Guide students through a series of exercises (e.g., jumping jacks, running in place) for 1-2 minutes each.
After each exercise, have students measure and record their heart rate on the worksheet.

Step 3

Discussion: Analyzing Results

10 mins

Facilitate a discussion on the observed changes in heart rate.
Ask students to share their findings and discuss why heart rates increased during exercise.
Discuss the importance of cardiovascular fitness and how regular exercise benefits heart health.

Step 4

Closure and Reflection

10 mins

Have students reflect on what they learned about their heart rate and physical activity.
Encourage students to think about how they can incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives.
Collect worksheets and conclude with a summary of key points.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Worksheet

Heart Rate Tracking Worksheet

This worksheet will help students track their heart rate before and after various exercises, allowing them to visualize the impact of physical activity on heart rate.

Record your resting heart rate before starting any exercise.

Use a stopwatch to count your heartbeats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.

Perform jumping jacks for 1 minute and record your heart rate immediately after.

Use the same method to measure your heart rate.

Run in place for 1 minute and record your heart rate immediately after.

Use the same method to measure your heart rate.

Reflect on how your heart rate changed with each activity. Why do you think this happened?

Consider the intensity of each exercise and its effect on your body.

Discussion

Heart Physiology and Exercise

This discussion will help students understand the relationship between heart physiology and exercise, encouraging them to think critically about how physical activity impacts heart health.

What is the primary function of the heart in the circulatory system?

Guide students to discuss the heart's role in pumping blood and delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body.

How does physical activity affect your heart rate?

Encourage students to think about how exercise increases the demand for oxygen and nutrients, leading to an increased heart rate.

Why is it important to maintain a healthy heart rate during exercise?

Discuss the benefits of cardiovascular fitness and how it supports overall health.