Activity 2E: Footprints in the Sand Inquiry Topic: Forces and Motion in the Human Body Part of: Unit: Mo-bility: Movement by the Numbers Lesson 2: Walk This Sway: Assessing Movement

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Individual Downloads

Teacher Administrative Information (TEKS)

Teacher Background Information

Student Background Information

Student Data Pages

Resource

Walking Your Way Into Forces & Motion PowerPoint Presentation
html version     ppt version 2 MB

Footprints in the Sand PowerPoint Presentation
ppt version

Keywords

gait, gait cycle, hypothesis, inquiry

Search Curricular Keywords

Key Concepts

research techniques, scientific process skills, variables affecting mobility, base of support, line of progression, foot angle, scientific process skills, math skills

Process Skills Utilized

hypothesizing, observing, investigating, controlling variables, collecting data, and analyzing data

Intended Grade Level - 6-10

Objectives

Working in collaborative groups, students will be able to:

• assume assigned roles to complete a given task
• examine the various parts of the gait cycle through an interactive lab and report their findings using charts, graphs, and simple calculations
• generate a hypothesis to be investigated
• determine accuracy of hypotheses by analyzing data collected
• present and support findings to the class
• describe how the different variables affect gait

Activity Description

By performing the lab, students will determine the effects of different variables on gait cycle by measuring and calculating the following: base of support, line of progression, and foot angle. This lab uses the materials from Footprints in the Sand.

Activity Materials (per group)

• 2 meters dark colored butcher paper
• Talcum powder to fill a shallow tray
• Shallow tray
• Masking tape
• Protractor
• Meter stick
• Calculator
• Blindfold
• Backpack weighted with books
• Shoes of varying heel height/sole thickness
• Ambulatory device (cane, walker)

Activity Management Suggestions

You may wish to assign different variables to the student groups to ensure all variables are tested.

After students have been assigned a variable, review the process they will need to follow in order to correctly form, test, and reject or accept their hypothesis.

You may want to stimulate hypothesis formation by having a brief group share session where students discuss the possible effects of the variables on gait.

Allow students to work with a partner to complete lab.

Modifications

For students needing more assistance:
Group these students with peers who can assist them during the lab.

For highly able students:
Allow these students to work on the extension activity after completion of lab.

Extensions

Students can investigate if any changes are present in the base of support and foot angle of various people outside the classroom. Individuals selected for this investigation should have one of the compromising variables listed above such as the routine use of an ambulatory device or a visual impairment.

References Used

Van Hook, F.W., Demonbreun, D., Weiss, B.D. (2003). Ambulatory Devices for Chronic Gait Disorders in the Elderly. American Family Physician. 67(17) 17-24.

Whittle, Michael. (1991). Gait Analysis An Introduction. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd.

Nawata, K., Nishihara, S., Hayashi, I., and Teshima, R. (2005). Plantar Pressure distribution during gait in athletes with functional instability of the ankle joint: preliminary report. Journal of Orthopaedic Science, (10), 298-301.

Broch, NL, Wyller, T, Steen, H. (2004). Effects of Heel Height and Shoe Shape on the Compressive Load between foot and base. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 94(5), 461-469.

Robbins, S, Waked, E, Krougilicof, N (2004). Improving Balance. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 46(11) 1363-1370.

Robbins, S, Waked, E, Krougilicof, N (1997). Foot Positioning awareness in younger and older men: The influence of footwear sole properties. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 45(10), 61-66.

Joyce, B, Kirby, RL (1991). Canes, Crutches, and Walkers. American Family Physician, 43(2), 535-542.

Foti, T, Bagley, A, Davids, J (1997). Biomechanical Alterations in gait during pregnancy. Retrieved June 2, 2005, American Society of Biomechanics.
Website: http://www.asbweb.org/conferences/1990s/1997/50/index.html

Buckley, J, Heasley, K, Twigg, P, Elliot, DB (2005). The effects of blurred vision on the mechanics of landing during stepping down by the elderly. Gait & Posture, 21(1), 65-71.

http://www.wayfinding.net/gaithome.htm

http://www.physics.ubc.ca/~phys438/Reports/Waddle.PDF

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