Class Dot Plot of End-of-Lesson Heart Rate
Each student takes their pulse right after exercise and after one minute of recovery, and anonymously places it on a class dot plot drawn on butcher paper. The class reads the spread, the median and the average drop, and relates them to fitness and lesson intensity.
How to play
- As soon as the main part ends, each student takes their pulse at the wrist or neck for 15 seconds and multiplies by four (1 min).
- Walk slowly for one minute and take the pulse again the same way (2 min).
- Place a yellow sticky note with the first number and a green one with the second on the axis drawn on the butcher paper, from 60 to 200 beats per minute in steps of 10 (2 min).
- In groups, interpret the chart: where the data clusters, the approximate median and how much the pulse dropped on average in one minute (2 min).
- Shared conclusion: what fast recovery indicates and what affects it (fitness, sleep, heat, stress) (1 min).
Rules
- Sticky notes have no names: the data is anonymous.
- Take the pulse with two fingers, never the thumb, and don't press hard on the neck.
- Keep walking during the recovery minute; don't drop down to sit.
- Nobody comments on or points out a classmate's individual data.
Variations
Easier
Record only the end-of-exercise pulse, without the recovery number.
Standard
End pulse and one-minute pulse in two colors on the same chart.
Harder
Add a third reading at 3 minutes and photograph the chart to compare with a lesson of different intensity.
Adaptations
- Trouble finding the pulse: use a pulse oximeter, a heart rate monitor or a classmate's phone app.
- Visual impairment: a partner places the sticky note where the student says and describes the final chart.
- Limited mobility: recovery is done wheeling gently, and the paper is placed at an accessible height.
Learning goals
- Measure heart rate and recovery correctly.
- Plot and interpret group data in a simple way.
- Relate heart rate recovery to fitness and health.
Equipment for a class of 25
- stopwatch: 2
- sticky notes: 60
- butcher paper roll: 1
Teacher tip
Tape the butcher paper to a wall or fence before class with the axis already drawn. If you repeat the chart over the year, students will see the group's recovery improve.
PatioLab has "Class Dot Plot of End-of-Lesson Heart Rate" and 5176 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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