Partner Pulse-Taking Lab
A hands-on partner lab for learning to take an accurate pulse at the wrist and neck, comparing 10-, 15-, and 30-second counts, and checking heart rate right after exercise. Students learn a basic tool for monitoring exercise intensity.
How to play
- Pairs get a stopwatch, a worksheet, and a pencil. The teacher shows how to find the radial pulse (two fingers on the inside of the wrist, below the thumb) and the carotid pulse (beside the windpipe, light pressure, never both sides) (2 min).
- Resting (3 min): A takes their own pulse at the wrist while B takes A's pulse at the neck at the same time. Count 30 seconds and multiply by two. Compare and switch roles.
- Count length (3 min): at rest, each student takes a 10-second count (x 6), a 15-second count (x 4), and a 30-second count (x 2). Write down all three and discuss which seems most reliable.
- Effort (2 min): 1 minute of jump rope or jumping jacks at a good pace.
- Post-exercise count (2 min): on the whistle, take a 10-second count and then a 30-second count right after. Notice the longer count comes out lower because they're already recovering.
- Recovery (2 min): another count 1 minute after the effort to see how much it dropped.
Rules
- Start counting with 'zero' on the first beat.
- Never take a pulse with the thumb, which has its own pulse.
- Safety: press very gently on the neck and only on one side.
Variations
Easier
Wrist pulse only, with 15-second counts and a partner keeping time.
Standard
Radial and carotid pulse, 10-, 15-, and 30-second counts, and a post-exercise check.
Harder
Add counts at 2 and 3 minutes and graph the recovery curve on the worksheet.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the effort uses the arms (shadow boxing or turning the rope without jumping).
- Visual impairment: the partner signals start and stop with a clap.
- Autism: lab steps are listed on the worksheet with boxes to check off.
Learning goals
- Locate the radial and carotid pulse correctly.
- Compare the accuracy of different count lengths.
- Connect heart rate to effort and recovery.
Equipment for a class of 25
- stopwatches: 13
- worksheets: 25
- pencils: 25
- individual jump ropes: 25
Teacher tip
Many students can't find their pulse the first time, so allow time and go around guiding fingers.
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