Description:
Students take measurements of a favorite category of children's toysÑaction figures and fashion dolls. They'll use ratios to chart what those action figures and fashion dolls would look like if they were the height of an average U.S. man or woman. They will then discuss what effect they think toys like these might have on a young child's perspective of what is normal, and how this may affect mental and physical health.
Objectives:
Students will:
- Take accurate measurements
- Calculate ratios
- Describe/show how media, and even the toys they play
with, can shape perceptions of how both boys and girls
should look
- Describe how messages about body image can affect both
mental and physical health
Relevant Standards:
This activity fulfills science and health education standards.
BAM! Body and Mind Resources:
- Your
Body — This section provides information on
how students can take care of their body. Students can
get tips on hand washing and oral hygiene. They also learn
about puberty and how their genes affect how they look
and act as well as their health.
- Your
Life — This section offers students suggestions
on learning how to handle stress, bullying, peer pressure,
anger, and more. Features include the Stress-O-Meter quiz
and the Ad Decoder, which help kids uncover the false
messages behind ads that target them.