This page is the place to develop various lab ideas corresponding to each topic. Multiple lab ideas can be listed for any chapter or body system.
Here is a list of general topics, taken from the online book. Some topics are better for doing a lab than others, and some can be combined into one lab.
Homeostasis/Cell Physiology
- Could do a lab on histology, microscope use. Maybe do some demonstrations of systems that show dynamic stability to relate it to physiology.
Nervous System/Senses
- Cranial nerve testing. Can assign student groups to different nerves and have them come prepared to demonstrate testing of that nerve.
- Use otoscopes to look into ears; look into eyes at retina
- Reaction time testing; eye fixation and tracking; polygraph testing
- Go to hospital and have someone get an EEG reading
Muscular System
- Traditional lab of pithing afrog then using its leg to conduct experiments on various aspects of muscle physiology.
- Endurance tests on a treadmill, while tracking breathing, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, etc.
Blood Physiology
- Hematocrit testing, could go on field trip to hospital lab and learn about standard blood tests and how to evaluate them.
Cardiovascular System
- Blood pressure reading; auscultation techniques; ECG machine and interpretation;
Immune System
Urinary System
- Urinary dipsticks and their interpretation
- Urine specific gravity; urine chloride ion concentration
Respiratory System
- Spirometer to measure inspiratory reserve volume, vital capacity, etc.
Gastrointestinal System & Nutrition
- Could keep a food log and chart calories from carbohydrates, proteins, lipids; estimate fiber intake, vitamins, etc.
- Could have people come fasting for four hours, take blood sugar, then have people eat different types of food. Measure blood sugar again 1/2 hour after consumption.
Male and Female Reproductive Systems
- Discussion of contraceptive methods, effectiveness, side effects; bring in a fertility expert to discuss fertility problems.
Pregnancy, Birth, Development, Death
- Bring in a gynecologist and a midwife and have a panel discussion of birthing options. Could combine this with the lab onmale and female reproductive systems.
Genetics and Inheritance
- Fruit fly experiments are great! Of course, the results cannot be collected in a single lab session
Check out
Ohio Human Physiology for additional ideas.