Count the number of beats in 15 seconds. This is how many times the heart beats in one minute. Do some exercise such as running in place, jumping jacks, or other exercise for one minute. Stop and calculate pulse again over 15 seconds. Calculate the heart rate for each activity and show this on the graph.
Extensions Compare the heart rates of students in the class.
The average heart rate can be found by adding up the column of numbers of all the heart rates listed and dividing this number by the total number of students. Have the students collect pulse rates from various adults and list this on another graph. Calculate the average heart rate for adults. Have students keep a record of their heart rates for one week by taking their pulse a few times a day. Note time of day and activity at the time.