Cold weather can have a significant impact on our bodies, even at seemingly mild temperatures. A recent experiment conducted at 10 degrees Celsius revealed the physiological challenges that cold homes can pose to our health. This is particularly relevant as 10 degrees Celsius is the average temperature that people living in unheated homes may experience due to financial constraints. The experiment showed that even at this temperature, the heart, lungs, and brain are profoundly affected.
The experiment took place in an environmental chamber, where scientists could control the temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. The participant, in this case, the author of the article, was wired up to various monitors to track body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. As the temperature dropped from a comfortable 21 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius, the body’s response became evident. Sweating stopped, hairs stood up to insulate the body, and blood vessels in the hands constricted to preserve warmth for critical organs.
The effects of cold weather on the body were further demonstrated by the participant’s muscle shivering and the changes in blood flow to the brain. The brain received less oxygen and glucose, negatively impacting cognitive function. However, the body’s main goal of maintaining core body temperature remained intact, albeit with increased effort. The heart had to work harder, pumping warm blood more intensely, and blood pressure increased, posing a risk for stroke and heart attack.
It is important to recognize the dangers associated with cold weather, as evidence suggests that cold is more deadly than heat. Cold weather also favors the spread of viruses, such as the flu, and increases the risk of infections like pneumonia. Indoor gatherings with closed windows and lack of fresh air create an environment conducive to virus transmission. Additionally, cold air affects the immune system’s response in the nose, allowing viruses to thrive.
To mitigate the effects of cold weather, it is recommended to focus on insulation through appropriate clothing, such as wool garments. Gloves and warm socks are more important than a hat, although a woolly hat can also help. A higher carbohydrate diet can generate more body heat, and staying active rather than sedentary can also help maintain warmth. Overall, it is crucial to be aware of the impact of cold weather on our bodies and take necessary precautions to stay healthy.
Original news source: Cold weather: What does an unheated room do to your body? (BBC)
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Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: Have students read the article and then summarize the main points in their own words. They should focus on the impact of cold weather on the body and the recommended precautions to stay healthy. They can share their summaries with a partner or in small groups.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Have them discuss and share their opinions on the following question: “Do you prefer cold weather or hot weather? Why?” Each group should take a poll within their group and report back to the class with the results, explaining the reasons behind their preferences.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Prepare a list of vocabulary words from the article, such as physiological, constraints, insulate, immune system, etc. Divide the class into teams and give each team a word. They must draw a picture to represent the word and have the other teams guess what the word is. This activity will help reinforce the vocabulary from the article.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups. Assign one group to discuss the pros of cold weather, while the other group discusses the cons. Give them a few minutes to brainstorm their ideas and then have them present their arguments to the class. Encourage respectful debate and allow for open discussion.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, have students discuss and make predictions about the future of cold weather and its impact on our bodies. They can consider factors such as climate change, technological advancements, and societal changes. Each group should present their predictions to the class and explain their reasoning.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What was the average temperature used in the experiment?
2. How did the body respond to the drop in temperature?
3. What were some of the effects of cold weather on the brain?
4. What risks did the increased blood pressure pose?
5. Why is it important to recognize the dangers of cold weather?
6. How does cold weather affect the spread of viruses?
7. What are some recommendations for mitigating the effects of cold weather?
8. Why is it crucial to be aware of the impact of cold weather on our bodies?
Go to answers ⇩
Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Cold weather can have a significant impact on our bodies, even at seemingly mild temperatures. A recent (1)______ conducted at 10 degrees Celsius revealed the physiological challenges that cold homes can pose to our (2)______. This is particularly relevant as 10 degrees Celsius is the average temperature that people living in unheated homes may experience due to (3)______ constraints. The experiment showed that even at this temperature, the heart, lungs, and brain are profoundly affected.
The experiment took place in an environmental chamber, where scientists could (4)______ the temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. The participant, in this case, the author of the article, was wired up to various monitors to track body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. As the temperature dropped from a comfortable 21 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius, the body’s response became (5)______. (6)______ stopped, hairs stood up to insulate the body, and blood vessels in the (7)______ constricted to preserve warmth for critical organs.
The effects of cold weather on the body were further demonstrated by the participant’s muscle shivering and the changes in blood flow to the (8)______. The brain received less oxygen and glucose, negatively impacting (9)______ function. However, the body’s main goal of maintaining core body temperature remained (10)______, albeit with increased effort. The heart had to work harder, pumping warm blood more intensely, and blood pressure increased, posing a risk for stroke and heart attack.
It is important to recognize the dangers (11)______ with cold weather, as evidence suggests that cold is more deadly than heat. Cold weather also favors the spread of viruses, such as the flu, and increases the risk of infections like pneumonia. Indoor (12)______ with closed windows and lack of fresh air create an environment conducive to virus transmission. Additionally, cold air affects the immune system’s response in the nose, allowing viruses to thrive.
To mitigate the effects of cold weather, it is (13)______ to (14)______ on insulation through appropriate clothing, such as wool garments. Gloves and warm socks are more important than a hat, although a woolly hat can also help. A higher carbohydrate diet can generate more body heat, and staying active rather than (15)______ can also help (16)______ warmth. Overall, it is crucial to be aware of the impact of cold weather on our bodies and take necessary precautions to stay healthy.
Go to answers ⇩
Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. How would you feel if you had to live in a home without heating during the winter?
2. Do you think it is fair that some people cannot afford to heat their homes in cold weather? Why or why not?
3. What is the coldest temperature you have ever experienced? How did it affect your body?
4. How do you think cold weather affects our immune system?
5. Do you like cold weather? Why or why not?
6. What precautions do you take to stay warm in cold weather?
7. How would you feel if you had to wear heavy clothing all the time to stay warm in cold weather?
8. What is the impact of cold weather on your mood or mental health?
9. How do you think cold weather affects people’s daily activities and routines?
10. Do you think it is more difficult to stay healthy in cold weather compared to warm weather? Why or why not?
11. What measures do you think governments should take to help people who cannot afford to heat their homes in cold weather?
12. How do you think cold weather affects children and elderly people differently than adults?
13. What are some common illnesses or health problems that can be caused by cold weather?
14. How do you think living in a cold climate for a long time can affect a person’s overall health?
15. Do you think it is important for schools and workplaces to have heating systems during cold weather? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. cold
2. temperature
3. heart
4. blood
5. brain
6. body
7. weather
8. health
Meanings:
(a) The organ that pumps blood throughout the body
(b) The red liquid that circulates in the body
(c) The organ that controls thoughts, feelings, and actions
(d) The state of being free from illness or injury
(e) The opposite of hot
(f) The physical structure of a person or animal
(g) A measure of how hot or cold something is
(h) The condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place
Go to answers ⇩
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What temperature was the experiment conducted at?
(a) 21 degrees Celsius
(b) 10 degrees Celsius
(c) 0 degrees Celsius
(d) 30 degrees Celsius
2. What physiological challenges can cold homes pose to our health?
(a) Impact on heart, lungs, and brain
(b) Impact on muscles and bones
(c) Impact on digestion and metabolism
(d) Impact on skin and hair
3. What happened to the participant’s body as the temperature dropped?
(a) Sweating increased, hairs fell out, and blood vessels dilated
(b) Sweating increased, hairs stood up, and blood vessels dilated
(c) Sweating stopped, hairs stood up, and blood vessels constricted
(d) Sweating stopped, hairs fell out, and blood vessels constricted
4. How did the participant’s brain function change in response to the cold?
(a) Received more oxygen and glucose, positively impacting cognitive function
(b) Received less oxygen and glucose, positively impacting cognitive function
(c) Received less oxygen and glucose, negatively impacting cognitive function
(d) Received more oxygen and glucose, negatively impacting cognitive function
5. What is the main goal of the body in maintaining core body temperature?
(a) To regulate blood pressure and heart rate
(b) To increase sweating and blood flow
(c) To decrease muscle shivering and blood vessel constriction
(d) To preserve warmth for critical organs
6. What are the dangers associated with cold weather?
(a) Cold is less deadly than heat and decreases the risk of infections
(b) Cold has no impact on mortality or infections
(c) Cold is equally deadly as heat and has no impact on infections
(d) Cold is more deadly than heat and increases the risk of infections
7. What can help mitigate the effects of cold weather?
(a) Insulation through appropriate clothing, such as wool garments
(b) Eating a high protein diet and staying sedentary
(c) Avoiding outdoor activities and keeping windows open
(d) Wearing a hat and gloves, but not warm socks
8. Why is it crucial to be aware of the impact of cold weather on our bodies?
(a) To ignore the effects and continue with normal activities
(b) To take necessary precautions to stay healthy
(c) To only focus on the impact of heat on our bodies
(d) To rely solely on medication for protection against cold weather
Go to answers ⇩
True or False Questions:
1. 10 degrees Celsius is the average temperature that people living in unheated homes may experience due to financial constraints.
2. An experiment conducted at 10 degrees Celsius revealed the physiological challenges that cold homes can pose to our health.
3. Cold weather can have a significant impact on our bodies, even at seemingly mild temperatures.
4. The experiment showed that even at 10 degrees Celsius, the heart, lungs, and brain are not profoundly affected.
5. Cold weather is more deadly than heat, and it also favors the spread of viruses and increases the risk of infections like pneumonia.
6. The effects of cold weather on the body do not include muscle shivering and changes in blood flow to the brain.
7. The participant in the experiment was not wired up to various monitors to track body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
8. To exacerbate the effects of cold weather, it is recommended to neglect insulation through inappropriate clothing, a higher carbohydrate diet, and staying inactive.
Go to answers ⇩
Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. What were the physiological challenges that cold homes can pose to our health, according to the experiment?
2. How did the body respond to the drop in temperature during the experiment?
3. What were the effects of cold weather on the participant’s muscle shivering and blood flow to the brain?
4. Why is it important to recognize the dangers associated with cold weather?
5. What recommendations are given to mitigate the effects of cold weather on the body?
Answers
Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What was the average temperature used in the experiment?
– The average temperature used in the experiment was 10 degrees Celsius.
2. How did the body respond to the drop in temperature?
– The body responded to the drop in temperature by sweating stopping, hairs standing up to insulate the body, and blood vessels in the hands constricting to preserve warmth for critical organs.
3. What were some of the effects of cold weather on the brain?
– Some of the effects of cold weather on the brain included receiving less oxygen and glucose, which negatively impacted cognitive function.
4. What risks did the increased blood pressure pose?
– The increased blood pressure posed a risk for stroke and heart attack.
5. Why is it important to recognize the dangers of cold weather?
– It is important to recognize the dangers of cold weather because evidence suggests that cold is more deadly than heat. Cold weather also favors the spread of viruses and increases the risk of infections.
6. How does cold weather affect the spread of viruses?
– Cold weather affects the spread of viruses by creating an environment conducive to virus transmission in indoor gatherings with closed windows and lack of fresh air. Cold air also affects the immune system’s response in the nose, allowing viruses to thrive.
7. What are some recommendations for mitigating the effects of cold weather?
– Some recommendations for mitigating the effects of cold weather include focusing on insulation through appropriate clothing, such as wool garments, wearing gloves and warm socks, maintaining a higher carbohydrate diet to generate more body heat, and staying active rather than sedentary.
8. Why is it crucial to be aware of the impact of cold weather on our bodies?
– It is crucial to be aware of the impact of cold weather on our bodies because it can have significant physiological challenges and pose risks to our health, including increased strain on the heart, decreased cognitive function, and increased risk of infections. Understanding these impacts allows us to take necessary precautions to stay healthy.
Go back to questions ⇧
Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) experiment
(2) health
(3) financial
(4) control
(5) evident
(6) Sweating
(7) hands
(8) brain
(9) cognitive
(10) intact
(11) associated
(12) gatherings
(13) recommended
(14) focus
(15) sedentary
(16) maintain
Go back to questions ⇧
Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. cold
Answer: (e) The opposite of hot
2. temperature
Answer: (g) A measure of how hot or cold something is
3. heart
Answer: (a) The organ that pumps blood throughout the body
4. blood
Answer: (b) The red liquid that circulates in the body
5. brain
Answer: (c) The organ that controls thoughts, feelings, and actions
6. body
Answer: (f) The physical structure of a person or animal
7. weather
Answer: (h) The condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place
8. health
Answer: (d) The state of being free from illness or injury
Go back to questions ⇧
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What temperature was the experiment conducted at?
Answer: (b) 10 degrees Celsius
2. What physiological challenges can cold homes pose to our health?
Answer: (a) Impact on heart, lungs, and brain
3. What happened to the participant’s body as the temperature dropped?
Answer: (c) Sweating stopped, hairs stood up, and blood vessels constricted
4. How did the participant’s brain function change in response to the cold?
Answer: (c) Received less oxygen and glucose, negatively impacting cognitive function
5. What is the main goal of the body in maintaining core body temperature?
Answer: (d) To preserve warmth for critical organs
6. What are the dangers associated with cold weather?
Answer: (d) Cold is more deadly than heat and increases the risk of infections
7. What can help mitigate the effects of cold weather?
Answer: (a) Insulation through appropriate clothing, such as wool garments
8. Why is it crucial to be aware of the impact of cold weather on our bodies?
Answer: (b) To take necessary precautions to stay healthy
Go back to questions ⇧
True or False Answers:
1. 10 degrees Celsius is the average temperature that people living in unheated homes may experience due to financial constraints. (Answer: True)
2. An experiment conducted at 10 degrees Celsius revealed the physiological challenges that cold homes can pose to our health. (Answer: True)
3. Cold weather can have a significant impact on our bodies, even at seemingly mild temperatures. (Answer: True)
4. The experiment showed that even at 10 degrees Celsius, the heart, lungs, and brain are not profoundly affected. (Answer: False)
5. Cold weather is more deadly than heat, and it also favors the spread of viruses and increases the risk of infections like pneumonia. (Answer: True)
6. The effects of cold weather on the body do not include muscle shivering and changes in blood flow to the brain. (Answer: False)
7. The participant in the experiment was not wired up to various monitors to track body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. (Answer: False)
8. To exacerbate the effects of cold weather, it is recommended to neglect insulation through inappropriate clothing, a higher carbohydrate diet, and staying inactive. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧
