Skin Area

The task is to consider the process of making estimates to use in calculations before moving to the specific task of estimating the total surface area (i.e. skin area) of a volunteer. This is a readily accessible task, with students only needing basic measurement and estimation skills to get started. It is suitable for group work. Suitable measuring tools are needed to find body mass and height. This resource contains a word document outlining the task and a presentation which can be used or adapted to form part of a lesson.

Skin Area: Overview
This is a brief outline of the task with a list of required resources and a list of the prior knowledge required for success. There are suggestions how the task can be extended. This word document also contains a link to the formulae provided in the presentation.

Skin Area: Presentation
The first slides state the aim of the task; to develop a mathematical model and use standard units and estimation to solve problems. The main task of estimating the skin surface area of an adult is stated and hints are shown how this can be achieved i.e. by modelling the body as a series of regular 3D shapes. Then students compare their estimates to values obtained from a series of suggested formulae for estimating skin area from height and weight. A table of values can be filled in so that the various results can be compared.