Using heart rate as an indicator, the youngsters establish the maximum steepness for a footpath.
Group Size: easiest with up to 16
Suggested Age: 10 and up
Time: 50-60 minutes
Consider…
Consider…
- Site: Choose a hillside with a variety of slopes ranging from gentle to very steep.
- Safety: No special considerations
- Prep: Construct a slope-measuring device, locate, and mark off three trails of different slopes (see the “Measuring Slope” equipment card).
- Materials: Data board, marker, 5 or 10 meter long rope or twine, 6-8 flags, index cards, pencil, watch with second hand, slope measuring device
Focus question:
What is the maximum slope for a trail that hikers can use comfortably?
What is the maximum slope for a trail that hikers can use comfortably?
Learning outcomes:
- Pulse rate can be used as an indicator of physical exertion.
- A resting pulse rate is the rate when a person is not exerting themselves.
- An excessive-exertion pulse rate is the rate after vigorous exercise.
Summary:
Slope is an important factor to consider when designing a trail on a hillside. In this activity, the youngsters use their pulse rates as a measure of the effort expended in walking on different slopes. By checking their pulse rates after walking up various slopes, the group decides on an appropriate maximum slope for trails.
Slope is an important factor to consider when designing a trail on a hillside. In this activity, the youngsters use their pulse rates as a measure of the effort expended in walking on different slopes. By checking their pulse rates after walking up various slopes, the group decides on an appropriate maximum slope for trails.
Download the activity PDF file: CardiacHill.pdf
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