Measuring How Far We Walk

I have purchased a pedometer (step counter) at a dollar only store. Some use piezo-electric accelerometers, coiled spring mechanisms and a hairspring mechanism to record the motion of the walking person. Some show the step total only, but some can calculate distance, Calorie estimates, clocks, timers, stopwatch features, speed, and pulse rate. Some can store the data for a seven day period of time.

Simple pedometers like the dollar store versions only count steps and/or distance. The recommended number of steps for good health is 6000 and 10,000 for weight loss when all the steps in a given day are counted. For weight loss, uninterrupted walking greatly assists the progress of weight loss. The accuracy of a pedometer varies by model. You may want to test the model on a few sample walks to compare results and features.

With a nation with an obesity problem the use of a pedometer provides a simple method of moving toward a healthier life style on a very personal level. When a person records their own step count, then to improve they only need to increase the step count in relation to their own initial count this then makes this a competition only with your own recorded steps.

This type of device makes it easy for children in our classrooms to record their own present level of walking and then simply increase the amount of walking to some suitable amount. If you were teaching a class in science or health you can easily see how this type of lesson could easily be developed, but you could also discuss this in Social Studies by including discussions how the Romans used professional walkers to get distances from one city to another. In math class a variety of calculations could be used in calculations of distance between steps. In physical education students could calculate the number of steps when walking around the school, around the football stadium etc.

I have been able to get about 40 pedometers to use in the classroom and then can alternate the use of the pedometers through every class throughout the day by doing this lesson different weeks of the semester with different classes. The graphic shows two worksheets I used for my lesson. One is a personal record and the other is a group record. Students should be encouraged to have "healthy competition" and to understand that this competition can be personal or group. (Note: remember that you can use this lesson year after year.)

Students even get their parents involved in the process of healthy choices and exercise through the use of such lessons. The health of our society is directly related to the health of the individuals in the society and the pedometer is a great tool to lead us toward a healthier lifestyle. As an educator it is important to realize that helping our students learn healthy habits early can increase their lifespan and improve the quality of life all through their life.