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Health Experiment Planning Worksheet

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Health Experiment Planning Worksheet

A class wants to investigate how gentle movement affects breathing rate. Use the scenario and the data table to practise planning a safe, fair experiment. Do not run an activity or collect anyone’s health information without teacher approval. Anyone who feels unwell or does not wish to take part can observe instead.

The class investigation

The class proposes this question: “Does two minutes of gentle marching on the spot change breathing rate compared with sitting quietly for two minutes?” Breathing rate means the number of breaths taken in one minute. A breath is one complete in-and-out cycle. For a safe investigation, the teacher must approve the method, participation must be voluntary, and students may stop at any time.

1.For the proposed investigation, state the independent variable (what is changed), the dependent variable (what is measured), and one controlled variable (what is kept the same).

2.Which hypothesis makes a testable prediction and gives a reason?

Breathing is important.
After gentle marching, breathing rate will be higher than after sitting quietly because the body needs more oxygen during movement.
The class will enjoy the investigation.

3.Which plan is the safest and most appropriate for a school investigation?

Make everyone march as fast as possible and continue even if they feel uncomfortable.
Ask the teacher to approve gentle movement, make participation voluntary, and let anyone stop or observe.
Ask students to share private medical details with the whole class.

4.A group measures one student’s breathing for 30 seconds after marching, but another student’s breathing for a full minute after sitting. Explain why this comparison is not fair and give one improvement.

5.Number these steps from 1 to 4 to create a sensible method: ___ With teacher approval, explain that participation is voluntary, participants may stop or observe, and results will be kept anonymous throughout. ___ Sit quietly for two minutes. ___ Count breaths for one minute after sitting and record the baseline breathing rate. ___ Gently march on the spot for two minutes, then count breaths for one minute and record the result.

Participant

After sitting quietly

After gentle marching

6.Use the practice results table. What pattern do you notice in the breathing rates after sitting quietly and after gentle marching?

7.For participant B, calculate the increase in breathing rate from sitting quietly to after gentle marching. Include the unit.

8.The three practice results show the same pattern, but the group tested only three participants. Give one conclusion supported by the results and one reason to be cautious.

9.In Aotearoa New Zealand, hauora includes physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Name one way a safe movement investigation could relate to hauora, and explain why a class should protect participants’ privacy and choice.

10.Suggest one practical improvement for a future version of this investigation that could make the results more reliable or the procedure fairer.