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.

Ice Bucket Challenge

Today in Biology 30 we experimented with factors that influence enzyme action rate. In this test we are seen placing our hands in an ice cold bucket of water for 1 minute before attempting to break 10 toothpicks. In this activity, the toothpicks are the substrate and our hands are the enzymes. Temperature is one of the three factors we tested.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

We concluded our study of different health care philosophies today by enjoying a class of yoga. Yoga is an ancient practice that focuses on the mind and body by working with one's pranayama (or breath) while holding different asanas (or poses). Yoga is an example of complementary and alternative medicine. Here are some pictures of today's class.

Medicine Man, Hugh Lerat, Visits HS 20

It was a real pleasure to have Elder Hugh Lerat speak to our Health Science 20 class. Hugh is a Cree Indian from Cowessess First Nation who has been praticing Indigenous Medicine for many years. Taught by his Grandma, Hugh shared with our class many stories about his culture's rituals. This included the Sweat Lodge, the Sun Dance, and the Pipe Ceremony. He also packed with him many of his medicines for us to see. Here are some of the photos from today's class.