Would you like some protein with that?

Today in Health Science 20, we were so pleased to have join us, the owners of Pumphouse Athletic Club in Yorkton---Alicia and Carter. They talked at length about the importance of nutrition in their business as body builders. Alicia said that her diet accounts for 90% of her success on stage as a figure builder and only 10% of her success comes from working out. In their presentation, they emphasized the importance of protein in building muscle. In the off season half of their calories come from protein and this number increases to 75% when they are preparing for the stage! Both Carter and Alicia have won titles at the provincial level and it was awesome to hear their stories.

An Experiment on FAT!

Today in Health Science 20, we tested a variety of foods brought from home for the presence of lipids (fat). Some foods contain visible fat while others do not. In order to test for the fat, we performed a rather simple test. We placed the food to be tested on a sheet of brown paper and then placed it in the microwave for no more than 30 seconds before examining the grease spot left by the food. As it turned out, cheese left the biggest mark. The carrot muffin, chips, yogurt dipped granola bar and popcorn also left visible fat stains. Here are some pictures of our lab.

The Acidity of POP

Which brand of pop do you think is most acidic....Mountain Dew, 7-Up, or Sprite? All three varieties have a lemon-lime flavor. To determine the answer, we carefully performed a titration lab by adding drops of Sodium Hydroxide to the acidic pop and despite numerous trials on each pop the only consistent results we got was that Mountain Dew is the LEAST ACIDIC.

Raising one's Heart Rate

What effects one's heart rate? In Biology 30 we suggested factors like exercise, diet, stimulants such as caffeine, the weather, our emotions, gender, age, etc. We then performed an inquiry lab where students selected which one of the listed factors they would like to design an experiment on that would show how their chosen factor affects one's heart rate. With just two groups, one group tested the effects of cold on the heart rate and the other group tested the effects of watching/ playing a scary video game. Here are some pictures.