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Project 15 : Exploring Ratio

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Rakhee Mishra


 

"Exploring Ratios through the Vitruvian Man"

Introduction

Long ago, a famous Italian artist and scientist, Leonardo da Vinci, drew a picture called the Vitruvian Man. This picture shows a man with his arms and legs stretched out inside a circle and a square. It shows how the human body has perfect symmetry and proportion—meaning, many body parts follow a pattern when compared to each other.

Let’s explore if our bodies also follow these patterns!


Objective:

To understand and apply the concept of ratios through real-life measurements inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, and to compare them across individuals to find patterns.

You must  observe, measure and calculate ratios between different parts of the human body, and  compare them with the Vitruvian ideal.

Materials Needed:

  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Project sheets or notebooks
  • Pen/Pencil
  • Calculator (optional)
  • Chart paper (for final presentation)

Steps to Follow:

1. Introduction to the Vitruvian Man :

  • Research Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man and how it represents the idea of ideal human body proportions.
  • Understand basic body ratio concepts like:
    • Arm span to height (usually 1:1)
    • Head height to total height
    • Length of leg to height, etc.

2. Select the following measurement Parameters :

  • Height
  • Arm span (tip of one middle finger to the other with arms outstretched)
  • Head height (top of head to chin)
  • Leg length (hip to heel)
  • Hand length (wrist to tip of middle finger)
  • Chin to the bottom of the nose
  • Bottom of the nose to eyebrows
  • Eye brows to the base of the hairline

3. Measure 3 to 4 individuals:( you may take measurements for more indiviuals):

  • Take the measurements of classmates or family members.
  • Ensure values are recorded in centimeters or inches, and noted carefully. Metric system is preferable.

4. Calculate Ratios:

  • For each individual, calculate the following ratios:
    • Arm span : Height
    • Head height : Total height
    • Leg length : Total height
    • Hand length : Arm span

5. Organize Data in a Table:

Name

Height

Arm Span

Head height

Leg length

Hand length

Arm span:Height

Head:Height

LegHeight

HandArm Span

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fill in measurements and derived ratios.

6. Analyze the Data:

  • Identify patterns and similarities.
  • Compare each ratio to the Vitruvian ideal.
  • Which ratios are close to 1:1 or other expected proportions?
  • Are there major variations?

7. Representation and Classification:

  • Make a bar graph or pie chart for one or two selected ratios across individuals. You mayuse any other form of data representation also
  • Classify individuals whose ratios closely match Vitruvian proportions vs. those who don't.

8. Reflection Questions:

  • What did you learn about the human body?
  • Were most people's body ratios close to the Vitruvian ideals? Or did they reflect some other common ratio?
  • How can understanding ratios help in real life?
  •  Is there predictable ratios between the sizes of different body parts?

  • What do you observe about the ratios between various body parts?


References : 

www.study.com

www.britannica.com

www.thoughtco.com

www.bioedonline.com





A sample worksheet for your reference is given below. This can be used to arrange and organize the data. You may choose to design your own worksheet or project file to organize and present your study.


SAMPLE WORKSHEET

🧮 Project Worksheet: Exploring Ratios through the Vitruvian Man

📌 Student Name: ___________________

📅 Date: ___________________

📖 Step 1: Background

Read and discuss the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci. What does it represent?

Write 2-3 sentences below:

📏 Step 2: Measurement Table

Measure 5–7 individuals and fill in the table:

PersonHeight (cm)Arm Span (cm)Head Height (cm)Leg Length (cm)Hand Length (cm)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

➗ Step 3: Calculate the Ratios

Person    Arm Span:Height         Head:Height        Leg:Height        Hand:Arm Span
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

📊 Step 4: Draw a Bar Graph

Choose one of the ratios (e.g., Arm Span:Height) and represent it in a bar graph below.

Title: Ratio Comparison – ___________________

🧠 Step 5: Reflection

Answer the following:

  1. Were most people’s ratios close to the Vitruvian Man’s ideal proportions?

  2. Which ratio showed the most variation?

  3. What surprised you the most during this activity?




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