Slowing the Flow
Source Institutions
-
American Museum of Natural History
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In this experiment, pairs of learners explore how cold water affects circulation. The mammalian diving reflex (MDR) slows circulation when the body is exposed to cold water. Learners measure their pulse on their neck and wrist before and after they place their face in icy water to discover how the mammalian diving reflex works. For safety reasons, this activity requires adult supervision.
- Under 5 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- free
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- a watch or clock with a second hand
- a bucket or large bowl of water, chilled with ice cubes
- several towels
- sheet of paper to make chart
- pen or marker
Subjects
- Life Sciences
- Diversity of Life
- Animals
- Human Body
- Circulation
- Diversity of Life
- Mathematics
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
- Data Representation
- Measurement
- Rate
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Physical Sciences
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
- The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Animals
- Sports and Exercise
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Source Collection:
- Ology
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, American Museum of Natural History,
