Homeostasis
Introduction
All humans have internal clocks which control when we become tired, when we are hungry, what our internal temperature is, and a wide variety of other mechanisms. The daily schedule that your body follows is called a circadian rhythm, and it differs from person to person. Your task for this graded assignment will be to determine your personal circadian rhythm and use the results of your investigation to propose a change to the current school day schedule that suits the circadian rhythm of high school aged students more accurately.
Instructions
Over a four day period you will maintain a regular schedule (e.g., no sleeping in late, no partying all night). These days do not need to be consecutive as long as they are “normal” days, such as a regular school day. Beginning when you wake up each morning you will take a minimumof three of the following measurements. You MUST measure your body temperature. Your choices include:
- ****Measure Body Temperature (Mandatory)
- Mad minute math addition test (60 seconds) Andrew, Jorge
- Finger counting (30 seconds) Emma, Mel
- Ruler Reaction Time Test , Han, Bridget
- Resting Heart Rate (60 seconds) Bassel, Danielle
You will take measurements for the tests you have chosen every FOUR hours of the day that you are awake. You must complete four days of measurements.
Having collected and recorded your measurements, you will propose a change to the current high school schedule that would suit individuals of your age. You will use your research and other, published research, to support your proposal.
How should the proposal be presented?
You may present your proposal in ANY format that you wish, however,
THIS IS NOT A FORMAL LAB AND SHOULD NOT BE A WRITTEN AS A FORMAL LAB REPORT.
THIS IS NOT A FORMAL LAB AND SHOULD NOT BE A WRITTEN AS A FORMAL LAB REPORT.
THIS IS NOT A FORMAL LAB AND SHOULD NOT BE A WRITTEN AS A FORMAL LAB REPORT.
Remember, your audience consists of school administrators. If they are to take your study seriously, you must produce a presentation of your recommendations that is of a professional standard.
If this isn’t a lab report, then how will I be graded?
This activity offers you the opportunity to apply your investigative skills to a real world application. You are expected to conduct your investigation in order to gather information to support your final proposal to the school board. You should also be researching and referring to other studies that support the results that you obtain in your investigation.
You will be graded on the following three categories:
Knowledge/Understanding: Proper and sufficient use of referenced material from other research that offers support for your proposal.
Communication: Spelling, grammar, and terminology.
Thinking: Strong proposal based on your investigative evidence as well as referenced research.