So you don't have a tape measure. What do you do to figure out how far you have walked? Calibrating your stride is an interesting way to determine distances walked. Using your steps to measure distance is a simple thing to do. All you need to know is how to count and multiply. This tool is a great way to estimate distances for numerous other GeogWeb activities that require distance measurements outside the classroom. An extension activities is to explore the data collected to see if there are trends.
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Locating the Marker
Locate a flat area free of any obstacles for walking.
Measure Distance
Measure 100 feet and mark the beginning and the end measurement. If there is not enough space to measure 100 feet, measure 50 feet and mark as indicated.
Make the Stride (100 feet)
If the distance measured was 100 feet, count how many steps were taken to get to the 100 ft marker. Record it below. Walking back, record the number of steps required to return from the 100 ft marker.Directions Number of Steps
Steps To 100 ft Marker
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Steps Away From 100 ft Marker
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Make the Stride (50 feet)
If the distance measured was 50 feet, count how many steps were taken to get to the 50 ft marker. Record it below. Walking back, record the number of steps required to return from the 50 ft marker. Repeat the process one more time.Directions Number of Steps
Steps To 50 ft Marker
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Steps Away From 50 ft Marker
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Steps To 50 ft Marker Steps(Repeated)
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Steps Away From 50 ft Marker (Repeated)
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Average the Results
Using the four measurements, determine the average number of steps to the 100 ft marker.
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Using the four measurements, determine the average number of steps to the 50 ft marker.
Calculate and Upload Results
Calculate results as indicated in Calibrated Step Survey attached below and then share information as indicated.
Calibrated Step Survey
Trends
Depending on teacher instructions, explore uploaded data to see if there are any trends between the variables collected. Upper grades may consider exporting data into a spreadsheet to manipulate data.
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Calibrating your stride is a great way to, in turn, determine all kinds of distance measurements. Be sure that when you step off the 100 feet to and away from the measured marker, that you walk your normal stride. If you don't, any measurements using your stride later will be wrong.