Educator’s Guide to Analyzing Wingspan with
Google Docs
Overview
Is our wingspan the same as our height? That is the question the students will answer in this project.
Students will use a Google Doc spreadsheet and a Google form to submit and view their data set
easily.
Grades and Subject Areas:
7th Grade Math
Objectives:
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Students will be able to measure each other’s dimensions.
Students will be able to analyze data.
Students will be able to open a Google Doc and Google form and input data.
I Can Statements:
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I can measure my partner’s wingspan to the nearest cm.
I can interpret the data entered in a Google Doc spreadsheet.
I can open a Google Doc spreadsheet and Google Form.
Curriculum Connections:
Alaska Content Standards:
Math:
Statistics and Probability 7.SP
Investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability models.
7.SP.5. Understand that the probability of a chance event is a number between 0 and 1 that expresses the
likelihood of the event occurring.
Submitted by Maureen Garcia – July 2012
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Larger numbers indicate greater likelihood. A probability near 0 indicates an unlikely event, a
probability around 1/2 indicates an event that is neither unlikely nor likely, and a probability near 1
indicates a likely event.
Ratios and Proportional Relationships 7.RP
7.RP.2: Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
ISTE Student Standards:
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Students collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
Students process data and report results.
Students contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.
ISTE Teacher Standards:
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Teachers engage students to explore real-world issues and solve authentic problems using digital tools and
resources.
Teachers design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to
promote student learning and creativity.
Technology Integration:
Hardware and Software Needs
Access to Google Docs
Lap top or mobile device to input data
Tips and tricks
None
Resources:
Handouts or Downloads
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None
Links to teaching resources
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Web resources
Size of a Human: Body Proportions from The Physics Factbook™ Edited by Glenn Elert -- Written by his students
Submitted by Maureen Garcia – July 2012
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Lesson Directions
Prep Time:
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10-15 mins
Prior to Lesson:
Teacher Prep:
● 10-15 min
Student Prep:
● 0 mins
Time Needed for Lesson:
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100 mins
Directions:
1. Find a partner or partners to help collect data on each other.
2. Measure each other's dimensions as outlined below.
○ Wingspan
● While standing, extend arms in opposite directions horizontally at shoulder
height.
● Using a tape measure, measure wingspan (cm). Wingspan is defined as the
distance from the tip of the middle finger of one hand to the tip of the middle
finger of the other hand.
● Record measurement.
● Repeat steps 1 and 2 for your partner.
o Height
● Remove your shoes.
● One person lean against the chart paper that is taped on the wall. Make sure
your head and heels are touching the wall.
● Place a ruler flat on top of your head to get a good reading. If the person you
are measuring is a lot taller than you, use a level to be sure you are holding the
ruler horizontal.
● Have your partner mark your height with a marker next to the ruler.
● Place tape measure at the bottom of the wall and pull the tape measure to your
marked height. Find the height (in cm).
● Record data
● Repeat same procedures with your partner.
o Forearm plus hand
● Move a flat table against a wall to form a 90 degree angle
● Place meter stick flat on table, tight against the wall. Put elbow against wall and
place arm and hand directly on meter stick.
Submitted by Maureen Garcia – July 2012
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Measure the length of forearm and hand in centimeters (keep fingers and
forearm straight)
● Measure to the tip of your longest finger (do not count long nails)
● Record your measurement.
o Forearm without hand
● Move a flat table against a wall to form a 90 degree angle
● Place meter stick flat on table, tight against the wall
● Place arm and hand on the table right along side the meter stick
● Locate the wrinkle line on your wrist
● Records measurement
o Foot
● Take off the right shoe.
● Using a meter stick placed aginst the wall, line your right heel up to the zero
line. Keep the meter stick on the inside of your foot.
● Stand up straight and have another student use a ruler to line up the tip of your
longest toe to the meter stick.
● Measure to the nearest millimeter.
● Record your measurement.
3. Enter the data in the Google Doc
4. Analyze the data and see if indeed wingspan and height are related and if forearm and foot length
are related.
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Extension / Challenge:
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Do pets have any dimensions that are closely related? Look at pictures of dogs and cats
(your pets or others from the internet) and brainstorm some ideas. What might you measure?
How would you measure these dimensions? Create a Google Doc and collect some data
from your pet and your friends pets. See if you can find some dimensions that are closely
related.
Submitted by Maureen Garcia – July 2012
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