Take My Breath Away
Measuring breathing rate before and after mild exercise, and analyzing differences.
PASPORT Relative Pressure Sensor (PS-2114)
Lab Summary
Using a respiration rate belt in combination with the Relative Pressure Sensor, students will measure their breathing rate before and after mild exercise, and analyze the differences they observe.
The process of respiration begins with breathing, starting the circulation of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) throughout the body. Respiration also includes the metabolic reaction of oxygen in body cells, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide and water as waste products. A person's breathing rate and their overall respiratory rate depend on a variety of factors, including overall health, lung capacity, level of activity, atmospheric conditions, and altitude, to name a few. In general, a higher level of activity or exertion tends to increase respiration rate, which returns to normal after a recovery period following exercise.
In this activity the Pressure Sensor will be used with the Respiration Belt to measure the change in pressure that occurs as the chest cavity contracts (expands) and relaxes during breathing. The belt, which is wrapped around the lower part of the ribcage (sternum), has a rubber bladder inside that can be inflated using the attached squeeze bulb. The air in the bladder can be released using the squeeze bulb’s thumb screw valve. A second tube attached to the rubber bladder can be connected to the quick-release connector of the Pressure Sensor.
Hypothesize: How will your respiration rate change after mild exercise? How long will it take to return to normal?
Published: May 2002
Downloads
- Take My Breath Away - PASPORT (28 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup, procedures and Datastudio file
- Take My Breath Away - ScienceWorkshop (27 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup, procedures and Datastudio file
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware (PASPORT Systems)
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
PASPORT Relative Pressure Sensor (PS-2114) - $110
Measure gauge pressure and small pressure changes. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Probeware (ScienceWorkshop Systems)
750 Interface, USB (CI-7650) - $679
The 750 Interface allows students to measure force, temperature, pressure, angular velocity, acceleration, current, and magnetic field with a built-in function generator and oscilloscope mode.
Low Pressure Sensor (CI-6534A) - $129
Designed with a high degree of sensitivity to measure minute pressure changes.
Other Products
Respiration Belt -- Respiration Rate Sensor (CI-9842) - $89
Replacement belt for the Respiration Rater Sensors (PS-2133 or CI-6535).
