Introduction

In this activity, students develop a clear understanding of body mass index, BMI, and how to calculate it. The BMI Virtual Instrument (VI) is used in performing and checking calculations as well as building a conceptual understanding of the relationships between BMI and a person’s height and weight.

Two extensions are available to further explore BMI. The first asks students to associate ranges of BMI to weight categories. The second asks students to survey their friends, calculate BMI, and record their findings.

Objective

Students will be able to:
• Calculate a person’s BMI given their height and weight.
• Describe the relationship between BMI and a person’s height and weight.

Teaching Standards (TEKS)

Biology: 11C
Algebra: B.1A,B,C,D,E