Hypotheses, Heartbeats & High Scores: Students Connect Data and Physical Activity

Hypothesis. It was the word of the day and a big ol’ brain flex for our students at four Boys & Girls Club sites in Northeast Ohio. While it might be a tricky word to say, the students quickly grasped the concept and formed their own hypothesis for the next part of our experiment. 

Next up: an introduction of some seriously cool tech. Before strapping in, we revisited infrared light and compared pulse oximeters to heart rate monitors. Turns out, pulse oximeters glow red because they use both red and infrared light, while heart rate watches use green light since blood absorbs green better, making it easier to measure heartbeats. 

With everyone suited up in their heart monitors, we cast their real-time heart rate data onto a screen. And just when they thought it couldn't get any cooler… we gamified it! 

In this twist on gaming, students explored science through motion - they were the game controllers. Students jumped, ran, and moved their way through the activity, watching their heart rates rise and fall as they leveled up. 

What came next? You guessed it: Data analysis. Together, we analyzed students real-time data—turning heartbeats into numbers, patterns, and insights.

Finally, we asked the BIG question: "How could this exercise and understanding of the technology used connect to future careers?" From sports scientists to biomedical engineers, from data analysts to game developers—students were rushed with new ideas about their futures. 

We can’t wait to see where their curiosity with data takes them next. Until next time, keep that curiosity pumping (just like those heartbeats)!