Title: Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI)

Objectives Time frame to Complete

To obtain an understanding of Body Mass Index (BMI) as a 45 minutes
tool for calculating a more accurate assessment of total
fitness and overall health.
NRS EFL
4

Nutrition & Dietetics

Exercise Science
Healthcare Admin
Career Pathways

Practical Nursing
Study / Life skills

Pharmacy Tech
Stackable Cert.
Documentation

Medical Asst.
EKG / Cardio
Fire Rescue

Phlebotomy
Technology

Paramedic
EL-Civics

Welding

STNA
Other:
HVAC
Police

AMT
IMT
X

X
X

X
X

X
Standard(s) Addressed in Lesson
Use Math to Solve Problems and Communicate
Benchmark(s) Addressed in Lesson
M.4.3 Apply order of operations to simplify expressions and perform computations
M.4.4 Compare and order equivalent forms of commonly used fractions, decimals and percents.
M.4.16 Evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions and solve equations.
M.4.19 Solve linear equations with one unknown graphically and algebraically.

Materials
Handouts – BMI overview, Calculating BMI worksheet
Calculator
Pencils
Paper

Learner Prior Knowledge

Multiplication facts, division skills
Activities
Step 1 Teacher distributes BMI overview handout and explains BMI – what it is, how it is used, and how it is
calculated.

Step 2 Teacher shows students how to find second power on the calculator. Then, teacher models a sample
calculation on the board and using the calculator to insure student understanding. (Jane weighs 140 lbs and is
5’3” tall. BMI = approximately 24.8)

Step 3 Teacher distributes worksheet, and students complete individually. After completion, go over results as
a class.

Step 4 Teacher provides remediation to students as needed.

Assessment/Evidence
Completed BMI worksheet
Adaptations for Beginning Students
Provide individual assistance to students.
Adaptations for Advanced Students
Advanced students may research BMI further online. Information is available at U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (www.nhlbi.gov/health)

Teacher Reflection/Lesson Evaluation

This lesson was created by Middletown ABLE.

1. You work as a licensed practical nurse and monitor the weight loss
of patients in a health clinic. You use BMI as a tool for measuring
successful results. One patient started with a BMI of 27/5 and now
has a BMI of 24. How much has his BMI decreased?

2. What category on the BMI table has the patient in question 1 now
moved to?

3. As the new YMCA fitness coach you help people reach their health
goals. If Joe’s weight is 180 lbs. and his height is 5 ft. 10 in., what
is his BMI?

4. According to the table, what is his health category?

5. Calculate your own BMI. What health level are you? Are you
satisfied with your results? You do not have to show your results.

6. Name some ways people can lower their BMI and reduce their body
fat.

7. Mary is 90 years old and sedentary. Tim is 17 years old and letters
in three sports: soccer, swimming and hockey. Are the BMI’s of
these two individuals necessarily accurate? Why or why not?