We are about a third of the way through our Medical Detectives Unit in 7th Grade Science! The first third of the unit included learning about vital signs and practicing the experimental design process. Working in small groups, students designed an experiment to test whether relaxation techniques can affect vital signs. Each group chose the technique (for example, deep breathing exercises, listening to calming music, reading, meditating) and the vital sign (blood pressure, pulse, or breathing rate) they wanted to test. They then designed and conducted their experiment and collected and analyzed their data, working through the entire experimental design process. Next we start the nervous system part of the unit, which includes learning about the human brain by dissecting a sheep brain as a model!
The students in the attached pictures are testing their relaxation techniques.