Western Cape Sport School
Natural Science
Grade 9
Practical: Heartbeat & Pulse
August 2023
Educator: Mr. A Williams
Moderator: Ms. N Adams
Time: 1 Period
Marks: 30
Name & Surname of Learner 1: ______________________________
Name & Surname of Learner 1: ______________________________
Name & Surname of Learner 1: ______________________________
Name & Surname of Learner 1: ______________________________
AIM:
In this investigation you want to find out the effect of exercise on the heart rate. You will measure the pulse
rate to do this.
Work in groups of 4 people and answer the questions that follow.
1. Define the term pulse (on p.55 of textbook).
(1)
2. Predict how your pulse rate will change before and after exercise.
(1)
3. Identify the variables in this investigation.
Variable 1
Variable 2
Variable 3
(3)
4. By considering your answer in Question 3, explain how you will ensure that this test is fair.
(1)
5. Identify the dependent and independent variables.
Independent Variable
(Which is changed.)
Dependent Variable
(Which is measured.)
(2)
How to take someone’s pulse:
Step 1: To find someone’s pulse, put your fingers on the blood vessel
found on the underside of the person’s wrist, as shown in Figure 1.
Step 2: Move your fingers until you find the person’s pulse. Don’t use
your thumb as it has a pulse too.
Step 3: Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply it by
four te get the number of pulses per minute
Figure 1: Taking a pulse
6. Record each member’s pulse rate in the table provided under the “Pulse rate (beats per minute)
before exercise” column.
Exercise Instructions:
 Run on the spot for 30 seconds.
 Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply it by four te get the number of pulses per minute
7. Record each member’s pulse rate after exercise in the table provided under the “Pulse rate (beats per
minute) after exercise” column.
Name
Pulse rate (beats per minute)
before exercise
Pulse rate (beats per minute)
after exercise
(8)
8. How does the pulse rate before exercise differ from the pulse rate after exercise?
(1)
9. Draw a bar graph of the group’s results (8 marks).
Mark allocation for bar graph:




Title of graph (1)
Correct y-axis label (1)
Correct x-axis label (1)
Key (1)

Columns correctly plotted ( × 8 = 4)
1
2
10. Which learner in your group is the fittest? Why do you say so? (clue on p.55 of textbook)
(2)
11. Write a conclusion about the benefits of exercise for the cardiovascular system.
(2)
Total [30]