3.1.2 Rule Of Threes
Activity 3.1.2: The Rule of Threes
Introduction
With each breath, we take in oxygen that feeds our cells and fuels the production of energy. Water nourishes our tissues and helps regulate the level of chemicals in the body. The carbohydrates, proteins and fats that we ingest in food supply energy, as well as build materials the body uses for growth and maintenance. Each of these resources is vital to human survival. But how long can the body last when one of these resources reaches a critical low?
In Activity 3.1.1, you read the incredible story of Mauro Prosperi. Somehow, he beat the odds and managed to survive under unimaginable conditions. The human body has the ability to adapt to internal and external changes and to conserve valuable resources. In this activity, you will continue your exploration of fuel and power in the body and debate the validity of a survival rule: The Rule of Threes. You will discuss how factors unique to the person or the environment may help that person survive in the absence of vital resources or, sadly, push him/her closer to the edge. You will continue to add information to the chart you started in Activity 3.1.1.
Equipment
Powering the Human Body chart from Activity 3.1.1
Laboratory journal
Computer with Internet access
Discovery Channel Human Body: Pushing the Limits DVD or Internet clip
Procedure
Many survival guidebooks reference the Rule of Threes, rough estimates for how long a person can last without key resources. This rule states that a human can live:
3 minutes without air
3 days without water
3 weeks without food
1. With your team of four, discuss how the Rule of Threes compares to the estimates you came up with in Activity 3.1.1. Discuss why these rules may not apply to every person in every environmental situation.
2. Work with your partner to brainstorm factors in the environment that may speed up or slow down this “time to empty.” Add these factors to the chart. Think back to the story
Introduction
With each breath, we take in oxygen that feeds our cells and fuels the production of energy. Water nourishes our tissues and helps regulate the level of chemicals in the body. The carbohydrates, proteins and fats that we ingest in food supply energy, as well as build materials the body uses for growth and maintenance. Each of these resources is vital to human survival. But how long can the body last when one of these resources reaches a critical low?
In Activity 3.1.1, you read the incredible story of Mauro Prosperi. Somehow, he beat the odds and managed to survive under unimaginable conditions. The human body has the ability to adapt to internal and external changes and to conserve valuable resources. In this activity, you will continue your exploration of fuel and power in the body and debate the validity of a survival rule: The Rule of Threes. You will discuss how factors unique to the person or the environment may help that person survive in the absence of vital resources or, sadly, push him/her closer to the edge. You will continue to add information to the chart you started in Activity 3.1.1.
Equipment
Powering the Human Body chart from Activity 3.1.1
Laboratory journal
Computer with Internet access
Discovery Channel Human Body: Pushing the Limits DVD or Internet clip
Procedure
Many survival guidebooks reference the Rule of Threes, rough estimates for how long a person can last without key resources. This rule states that a human can live:
3 minutes without air
3 days without water
3 weeks without food
1. With your team of four, discuss how the Rule of Threes compares to the estimates you came up with in Activity 3.1.1. Discuss why these rules may not apply to every person in every environmental situation.
2. Work with your partner to brainstorm factors in the environment that may speed up or slow down this “time to empty.” Add these factors to the chart. Think back to the story