Cover the top of a funnel with a balloon. Cut the tail-end of a balloon off, then pull it over the larger opening of a funnel. Pull it tightly enough so that it is stretched taut over the funnel, like a drum. You can use tape to hold it in place, or plastic wrap if the balloon isn’t tight enough.
Stick the end of the funnel into a piece of clear, flexible, plastic tubing. If needed, use tape to keep the funnel inserted into the tubing.
Place the foam cover over the other end of the tubing and secure with tape, if desired.
Use the stethoscope in a quiet room. Place the balloon-covered end over your heart (or someone else's heart), and the foam end gently in your ear. Can you hear the heartbeat?
Time your heart beat for 10 seconds. Record your observation in the table below. Multiply the 10 second rate by 6 to get the number of times your heart beats in 60 seconds or one minute. You now have your heart rate in beats per minute. Record this rate on the resting heart rate line.
Now do moderate exercise like lifting a can of food 10 times, walking around the room 3 times or doing 5 sit-ups. Repeat step 5, but this time you will record the rate on the moderate exercise line.
Now do a little more energetic exercise like lifting heavy books with both hands 20 times, 10 knee bends, walk around the block, go up and down the stairs three times, or do 20 sit-ups. Repeat step 5, but this time you will record the rate on the strenuous exercise line.
Find a family member to help you. Repeat steps 5-7 and record in on the columns labeled “family member.”
