This document describes a biology lab experiment on thermoregulation and temperature control in the human body. The experiment uses test tubes of hot water surrounded by different materials to model heat loss through the skin. In part A, test tubes with cotton wool insulation and cardboard insulation lose heat more slowly than an uninsulated test tube. In part B, a test tube sprayed with water and exposed to a fan loses heat the fastest, modeling the role of evaporation and convection in thermoregulation. Students are asked discussion questions to analyze the results and relate them to mammalian physiological responses for maintaining a constant body temperature.
This document describes a biology lab experiment on thermoregulation and temperature control in the human body. The experiment uses test tubes of hot water surrounded by different materials to model heat loss through the skin. In part A, test tubes with cotton wool insulation and cardboard insulation lose heat more slowly than an uninsulated test tube. In part B, a test tube sprayed with water and exposed to a fan loses heat the fastest, modeling the role of evaporation and convection in thermoregulation. Students are asked discussion questions to analyze the results and relate them to mammalian physiological responses for maintaining a constant body temperature.
This document describes a biology lab experiment on thermoregulation and temperature control in the human body. The experiment uses test tubes of hot water surrounded by different materials to model heat loss through the skin. In part A, test tubes with cotton wool insulation and cardboard insulation lose heat more slowly than an uninsulated test tube. In part B, a test tube sprayed with water and exposed to a fan loses heat the fastest, modeling the role of evaporation and convection in thermoregulation. Students are asked discussion questions to analyze the results and relate them to mammalian physiological responses for maintaining a constant body temperature.
This document describes a biology lab experiment on thermoregulation and temperature control in the human body. The experiment uses test tubes of hot water surrounded by different materials to model heat loss through the skin. In part A, test tubes with cotton wool insulation and cardboard insulation lose heat more slowly than an uninsulated test tube. In part B, a test tube sprayed with water and exposed to a fan loses heat the fastest, modeling the role of evaporation and convection in thermoregulation. Students are asked discussion questions to analyze the results and relate them to mammalian physiological responses for maintaining a constant body temperature.
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Unit 2 Biology
NAME:
Skin and temperature control practical
Pre-lab activity (key concepts) Before you commence this activity, make sure you are familiar with the concepts and terms listed below. In the space provided, write your understanding of each term. Thermoregulation: Homeostasis: Evaporation: Convection: Negative feedback model:
Introduction: Body temperature in humans is normally around 37 C. This temperature varies little, even when external conditions change dramatically. What are some of the adaptations that mammals have to help them to maintain a fairly constant body temperature? Purpose: This experiment uses modeling to investigate heat loss from an exposed surface such as the skin.
Materials: Each group will require: - hot water - 4 test tubes - 4 thermometers - 4 beakers - Measuring cylinder
Procedure:
cardboard cylinder stop watch fan spray water bottle of warm water cotton wool
Part A: Effect of insulation on heat loss
Take three test tubes, label them A, B and C, and place each into a separate beaker.
Surround test tube A with cotton wool. Surround test tube B in a cardboard cylinder then the same amount of cotton wool (as test tube A) around the outside of the cylinder (so that there is a layer of air between the test tube and the insulation).Cover the top of the cylinder so the air is trapped. Test tube C has no insulating material around it.
Fill all three test tubes with 20mL of water at approximately 80 C.
Insert a thermometer in each test tube and record the temperature as
soon as possible after the water is added. Record the temperature every minute for 10 minutes in the results table below.
Graph your results
Part B: Effect of moisture on heat loss
Take four test tubes and surround each with cotton wool. Place one in each of four beakers labeled 1,2,3 and 4.
Spray the outside of test tube1 and 3 with warm water.
Place test tubes 1 and 2 in front of a fan and test tubes 3 and 4 in an area without air movement.
Fill all four test tubes with 20mL of water at approximately 80 C.
Insert a thermometer into each test tube and record the temperature as soon as possible after the water is added. Record the temperature every 10 minutes in the results table below.
Discussion questions: 1. Which test tube in part A was the more effective at reducing heat loss? Can you suggest what makes this set up the most effective at reducing heat loss?
2. What structural feature of mammals is the cotton wool simulating?
3. How can an insulating layer of air be achieved by mammals?
4. How can the results from test tube B, in Part A, be used to explain the observation that a cat looks larger on cold days compared to hotter days?
5. Which test tube in Part B was the most effective at increasing heat loss?
6. Which part of this experiment modeled the role of perspiration in
maintaining body temperature? Explain.
7. Were any experimental controls used in Part A and Part B of this
investigation? If so, explain what these were.
8. Why are animals like frogs at greater risk of perishing on a windy hot day? Explain this, using experimental results to support your answer.
9. When the body temperature in mammals starts to drop, a number of
things happen. Describe some of these physiological and behavioural responses. Are any of these responses being modeled in this experimental set-up? Explain.
10. When the body temperature in mammals starts to increase, a different set of physiological and behavioural responses occur. Describe these responses. Are any of these responses being modeled in this experimental set-up? Explain.
Conclusion: Refer back to the purpose of this activity. Have you achieved this purpose? Write a conclusion based on what you have learnt by undertaking this activity.
