Heart Health Detectives: Surveying and Analyzing Heart Health
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as health investigators, determine the impact of lifestyle choices on heart health using surveys and data analysis?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the main parts of the heart and how do they work together?
- How does blood flow through the heart and body?
- What factors can affect heart health (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking)?
- How can we measure heart health indicators (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure)?
- What is a survey and how can we create one to gather information about people's lifestyles?
- How can we analyze survey data to identify correlations between lifestyle and heart health indicators?
- What are some healthy lifestyle choices that promote heart health?
- How can we communicate our findings to others in an effective way?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the anatomy and physiology of the human heart.
- Investigate the impact of lifestyle choices on heart health.
- Design and conduct surveys to collect data on lifestyle and heart health indicators.
- Analyze survey data to identify correlations between lifestyle and heart health.
- Communicate findings effectively.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Broken Heart Experiment
Students participate in a simulation where they experience emotional stress. They then measure physiological responses (e.g., heart rate). Discussion centers on the connection between emotions, lifestyle, and heart health, prompting inquiry into how choices impact this vital organ.Personalized Risk Assessment
Students complete a basic, non-invasive heart health risk assessment questionnaire (adapted for age appropriateness). The results highlight potential lifestyle factors that could impact their future heart health, motivating them to understand the science behind the recommendations.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Heart Anatomy Unveiled
Students will explore the structure of the human heart through diagrams, models, and interactive simulations. They will identify and label the main parts of the heart and describe their functions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA labeled heart diagram and a descriptive paragraph explaining the function of each part.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Understand the anatomy and physiology of the human heart. Essential Question: What are the main parts of the heart and how do they work together? How does blood flow through the heart and body?Lifestyle & Heart Health Connection
Students investigate how different lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, smoking, stress) can impact heart health.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA cause-and-effect chart illustrating the relationship between lifestyle choices and heart health outcomes, supported by research.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Investigate the impact of lifestyle choices on heart health. Essential Question: What factors can affect heart health (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking)?Survey Design Blueprint
Students learn the principles of survey design and create a survey to gather data on people's lifestyles and heart health indicators.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-designed survey that gathers data on lifestyle choices and heart health indicators.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Design and conduct surveys to collect data on lifestyle and heart health indicators. Essential Question: What is a survey and how can we create one to gather information about people's lifestyles?Data Detective: Uncovering Correlations
Students analyze the data collected from their surveys to identify correlations between lifestyle choices and heart health indicators.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA data analysis report that identifies correlations between lifestyle choices and heart health indicators, supported by data visualizations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Analyze survey data to identify correlations between lifestyle and heart health. Essential Question: How can we analyze survey data to identify correlations between lifestyle and heart health indicators?Heart Health Advocate Campaign
Students create a presentation or campaign to communicate their findings and promote healthy lifestyle choices for heart health.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation or campaign that effectively communicates the impact of lifestyle choices on heart health and promotes healthy behaviors.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Communicate findings effectively. Essential Question: How can we communicate our findings to others in an effective way? What are some healthy lifestyle choices that promote heart health?Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioHeart Health Investigation Portfolio Rubric
Heart Anatomy & Physiology
Understanding and accurate representation of the heart's structure and function.Diagram Accuracy
Correctness in identifying and labeling key heart components.
Exemplary
4 PointsDiagram is impeccably labeled with all major components accurately identified and positioned. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of heart anatomy.
Proficient
3 PointsDiagram is accurately labeled with most major components identified. Minor inaccuracies do not detract from overall understanding.
Developing
2 PointsDiagram contains some inaccuracies or omissions in labeling major heart components. Shows a basic understanding of heart anatomy.
Beginning
1 PointsDiagram is largely incomplete or inaccurate, with many major components missing or misidentified. Demonstrates limited understanding of heart anatomy.
Functional Explanation
Clarity and accuracy in describing the function of each heart component and its role in blood flow.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and clear explanation of each component's function and its integral role in blood flow. Demonstrates deep understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsExplains the function of each component with reasonable clarity and accuracy. Demonstrates good understanding of blood flow.
Developing
2 PointsExplanation is partially accurate but lacks clarity or depth. Shows a basic understanding of the components' functions.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to explain the function of heart components, with significant inaccuracies or omissions. Demonstrates limited understanding.
Lifestyle & Heart Health
Understanding the link between lifestyle choices and heart health, demonstrated through research and a cause-and-effect chart.Research Quality
Use of reliable sources and accuracy in describing the impact of lifestyle factors.
Exemplary
4 PointsResearch is based on highly reliable sources and provides a nuanced and accurate description of the impact of lifestyle factors on heart health.
Proficient
3 PointsResearch is based on reliable sources and accurately describes the impact of lifestyle factors on heart health.
Developing
2 PointsResearch is based on somewhat reliable sources and provides a basic description of the impact of lifestyle factors. Some inaccuracies may be present.
Beginning
1 PointsResearch is based on unreliable sources or demonstrates significant inaccuracies in describing the impact of lifestyle factors.
Cause-and-Effect Chart
Clarity and accuracy in illustrating the relationship between lifestyle choices and heart health outcomes.
Exemplary
4 PointsChart clearly and accurately illustrates the complex cause-and-effect relationships between lifestyle choices and a wide range of heart health outcomes. Demonstrates sophisticated understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsChart clearly illustrates the cause-and-effect relationships between lifestyle choices and common heart health outcomes.
Developing
2 PointsChart attempts to illustrate cause-and-effect relationships but may lack clarity, accuracy, or completeness.
Beginning
1 PointsChart is poorly constructed and fails to accurately illustrate the relationship between lifestyle choices and heart health outcomes.
Survey Design
Effectiveness of the survey in gathering relevant data on lifestyle and heart health indicators.Question Clarity & Relevance
Clarity, objectivity, and relevance of survey questions to the research question.
Exemplary
4 PointsSurvey questions are exceptionally clear, unbiased, and directly relevant to gathering comprehensive data on lifestyle choices and heart health indicators. Demonstrates superior survey design skills.
Proficient
3 PointsSurvey questions are clear, mostly unbiased, and relevant to gathering data on lifestyle choices and heart health indicators.
Developing
2 PointsSurvey questions are sometimes unclear, biased, or not directly relevant to the research question. Requires revision.
Beginning
1 PointsSurvey questions are largely unclear, biased, or irrelevant, making it difficult to gather meaningful data.
Survey Structure & Pilot Testing
Logical flow of the survey and effective use of pilot testing to improve the survey design.
Exemplary
4 PointsSurvey has a logical flow and has been thoroughly pilot-tested with revisions that significantly improve clarity and effectiveness. Demonstrates a deep understanding of survey methodology.
Proficient
3 PointsSurvey has a generally logical flow and has been pilot-tested with revisions that improve clarity and effectiveness.
Developing
2 PointsSurvey structure is somewhat disorganized, and pilot testing was minimal or ineffective in improving the survey design.
Beginning
1 PointsSurvey lacks a logical structure, and pilot testing was not conducted, resulting in a poorly designed survey.
Data Analysis & Correlation
Ability to analyze survey data and identify meaningful correlations between lifestyle choices and heart health indicators.Data Organization & Presentation
Organization of data in a clear and accessible format (e.g., spreadsheet, data table) and effective use of data visualizations.
Exemplary
4 PointsData is meticulously organized in a clear and accessible format with insightful and compelling data visualizations that highlight key findings. Demonstrates mastery of data presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsData is organized in a clear and accessible format with effective data visualizations.
Developing
2 PointsData organization is somewhat disorganized, and data visualizations are basic or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsData is poorly organized and lacks effective data visualizations, making it difficult to interpret the findings.
Correlation Identification
Accuracy and depth in identifying and explaining correlations between lifestyle choices and heart health indicators.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately identifies and explains complex correlations between lifestyle choices and heart health indicators, demonstrating sophisticated analytical skills and a deep understanding of the data.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately identifies and explains key correlations between lifestyle choices and heart health indicators.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some correlations but struggles to explain them clearly or accurately. Analysis is superficial.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to identify or accurately explain correlations between lifestyle choices and heart health indicators. Demonstrates limited analytical skills.
Communication & Advocacy
Effectiveness in communicating findings and promoting healthy lifestyle choices for heart health.Clarity & Accuracy of Message
Clarity, accuracy, and persuasiveness in communicating the impact of lifestyle choices on heart health.
Exemplary
4 PointsCommunication is exceptionally clear, accurate, and persuasive, effectively conveying the impact of lifestyle choices on heart health and inspiring positive behavior change. Demonstrates exceptional communication skills.
Proficient
3 PointsCommunication is clear, accurate, and persuasive in conveying the impact of lifestyle choices on heart health.
Developing
2 PointsCommunication is somewhat unclear or inaccurate, and the message lacks persuasiveness.
Beginning
1 PointsCommunication is unclear, inaccurate, and fails to effectively convey the impact of lifestyle choices on heart health.
Campaign Design & Impact
Creativity, effectiveness, and appropriateness of the presentation or campaign in reaching the target audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsCampaign is exceptionally creative, well-designed, and highly effective in reaching the target audience and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Demonstrates leadership in advocacy.
Proficient
3 PointsCampaign is creative, well-designed, and effective in reaching the target audience and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Developing
2 PointsCampaign is somewhat uninspired or poorly designed and may not effectively reach the target audience.
Beginning
1 PointsCampaign is poorly designed and fails to reach the target audience or promote healthy lifestyle choices.