Vitruvian Man
• Collecting and organizing data
• Recognizing and modeling linear data
The lesson can be found at:
http://mste.illinois.edu/courses/mat764fa03/folders/jleel/Standards/da_Vinci
_Teacher.html and is adapted from a lesson by Suzanne Alejandre. This lesson
is also discussed in Understanding Middle School Mathematics by Arthur
Hyde.
© IDMT 2011
The Vitruvian Man
Leonardo daVinci was an artist,
engineer, and scientist in Italy
during the 1400’s.
He proposed that the ratio
between human arm span and
height should be 1:1.
We are going to test whether he
was correct!
Adapted from Suzanne Alejandre, Univ. of Illinois
© IDMT 2011
Measure and plot
• Measure the arm span and height (cm)of each
person in your group. Have one person record
the measurements for your group.
• Plot the class points on graph paper
• Draw a line that best describes the
distribution of points.
• What is the equation of the line?
• Answer the following questions in your group
© IDMT 2011
Reflect and discuss
1.
2.
3.
4.
Is there a relationship between arm span and height?
How did you decide how to draw the line?
How did you determine the equation for the line?
What does the equation of your line represent? If
daVinci was right, what should the slope of the line
be? Was he right?
5. Why might some points not be on the line?
6. Use your equation to find out what someone’s arm
span should be if their height is 150cm.
7. Still using your equation, find their height if their arm
span is 180cm.
© IDMT 2011
Vitruvian Man - Homework
1. Use your equation to find out what
someone’s arm span should be if their
height is 195cm.
2. Still using your equation, find their height
if their arm span is 130cm.
© IDMT 2011