Science
Lesson Plan

Expedition Technology and Oxygen

Learning Objective:
Describe the effects on society of scientific and technological innovations.

Teacher Directions:
As we discussed before, one of the greatest danger climbers’ face is a lack of oxygen. One new technology that climbers can use as a warning system is the Personal Cabin Pressure Altitude Monitor and Warning System. This is a new device made by NASA. It was made to prevent accidents in airplanes or in other situations with high pressure, which includes mountain climbing. This invention gives knowledge of one’s exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen. Basically, it has an alarm that shows when oxygen is needed. The Personal Cabin Pressure Altitude Monitor and Warning System can be used for aircrafts, space operations, altitude chambers, meteorology and mountain climbing. Its benefits are its small size and water resistance.

Your own body provides signs and warnings when you need oxygen, too. Two simple signs are a shortness of breath and a quickening pulse. Let’s try a simple experiment to see when you experience these signs.

First, take your pulse. You can usually best do this by gently pressing two fingers on the side of your neck. How many beats did you count in 15 seconds? (You could use the Chart* activity sheet for data collection.) Do 10 jumping jacks and take your pulse again. Is the rate faster? Do 20 jumping jacks. Check your pulse. Keep adding 10 more jumping jacks until you notice a significant increase in your pulse.

Second, listen to your normal breathing. How many breaths do you take in 15 seconds? Do 10 jumping checks and check your breathing rate. Again, keep adding 10 more jumping jacks and keep checking your breathing rate. When did you notice a significant change in your breathing rate?

If you were building your own technology-based warning system, at what pulse rate and breathing rates would you program it to set off the alarm?

Resources:
Human Anatomy Online — View the Respiration and Circulatory Systems

Activity Sheet:
Chart*

Assessment:
Science Assessment Sheet*