Exploring Human Physiology and the Impact of Exercise
Introduction: Connecting Movement to Science
“Why does my heart race after sprinting?” asked a 10th grader during biology class. That simple question led Ms. Hall’s students into a unit exploring how the human body responds to physical activity. Using human physiology experiments, students investigated heart rate, breathing patterns, and muscle fatigue—bridging textbook science with real-life experiences.
JoVE’s NGSS-aligned science videos and physiology labs help educators bring these concepts to life. From measuring pulse changes to testing grip strength, students learn how interconnected body systems respond to exertion, stress, and recovery.
Why Human Physiology Education Matters
Understanding how the human body responds to stimuli is central to biology and health education. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 24% of U.S. children and adolescents aged 6–17 engage in 60 minutes of daily physical activity, as recommended by health guidelines (CDC, 2023). This alarming statistic highlights the importance of teaching students how their bodies work—and why movement matters.(source)
NGSS supports this learning through standards like HS-LS1-3, which requires students to “plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.” Hands-on human physiology experiments allow students to explore how the cardiovascular, muscular, and respiratory systems respond to physical exertion and recovery—building both scientific understanding and health literacy.
Engaging Human Physiology Experiments for High School Science
Help students explore their own biology through these five NGSS-aligned classroom labs and videos. Each activity not only highlights how body systems function and respond to physical activity, but also fosters data literacy, critical thinking, and real-world connections to health science and sports medicine careers.
1. Measuring the impact of exercise on heart rate and breathing
Objective: Investigate how cardiovascular output changes with physical activity.
✅ Have students take their pulse at rest, after mild activity (e.g., jogging in place), and post-recovery.
✅ Graph pulse recovery time and compare across individuals.
🎥 Pair with JoVE’s Structure and Function of the Heart to explain heart chambers and circulation.
2. Test Grip Strength and Muscle Fatigue
Objective: Observe how muscles fatigue with sustained contraction.
✅ Use hand dynamometers to record grip strength over repeated trials.
✅ Discuss muscle energy use and lactic acid buildup.
🎥 Reinforce with JoVE’s Muscle Tissue and Movement to visualize muscle fiber types and contractions.
3. Analyze Breathing Rate Before and After Exercise
Objective: Measure respiratory rate changes due to physical demand.
✅ Track breaths per minute at rest vs. after short sprints or step-ups.
✅ Compare recovery rates among different fitness levels.
🎥 Use JoVE’s Lung Anatomy and Function to link structure to oxygen delivery and CO₂ removal.
4. Explore Thermoregulation and Skin Temperature
Objective: Understand how the body maintains internal temperature.
✅ Use infrared thermometers to measure skin temperature before and after exercise.
✅ Discuss sweat, vasodilation, and homeostatic feedback.
🎥 Pair with JoVE’s Homeostasis in Humans to show physiological regulation in real time.
5. Design a Fitness & Physiology Student Challenge
Objective: Encourage student-led experiments on exercise and performance.
✅ Let students develop a mini-study (e.g., effect of hydration, stretching, or music on performance).
✅ Present findings in poster sessions or mini science fairs.
🎥 Use JoVE’s Scientific Method Lab to guide inquiry-based investigation design.
Real-World Example: Harvard-Westlake’s Biomechanics Course
At the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), the Biomechanics Laboratory has become a pivotal resource for students interested in the intersection of health sciences and engineering. The lab provides hands-on experiences where students engage in analyzing human movement, understanding muscle functions, and exploring the mechanical aspects of human physiology. This practical approach has enhanced student engagement and provided valuable insights into real-world applications of biomechanics. The establishment of the Biomechanics Club further exemplifies the institution’s commitment to integrating practical biomechanics education into its curriculum. (source)
Incorporating human physiology experiments into the curriculum boosted student interest in kinesiology and sports medicine. Lab-based performance increased, and students began applying classroom insights to their own athletic training.
Conclusion — Activate Learning with Human Physiology Experiments
By bringing science into the body, human physiology experiments transform abstract biology concepts into lived experiences. Students don’t just learn—they move, measure, and reflect on how their own systems respond to challenges.
With JoVE’s NGSS-aligned visual tools and hands-on investigations, educators can build classroom experiences that support inquiry, data literacy, and lifelong health awareness.
🚀 Ready to elevate your biology curriculum?
