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The
weight of backpacks has become such an issue that some principals are banning
their use during school hours, weighing backpacks that look too heavy for the
student and even calling in a chiropractor to warn students about the dangers
of carrying heavy loads. Some students have resorted to using backpacks with
built-in wheels. The heavy backpack problem has become so prevalent that many
schools, especially middle schools and junior high schools, have a backpack
policy limiting use. Another technique becoming popular is called "double
booking," in which two sets of books are used, one for students to keep
at home and another set kept in the classroom. The middle grades are of most
concern because elementary students do not carry as many books and high school
students are presumed to be more physically developed or able to bring books
to school in cars. On average, middle school students have about five
textbooks, some weighing up to two kilograms.
Experts say that for every 20 lbs. of bodyweight, you should only carry 3 lbs. in your backpack. This equals 15%. Other recommendations go as low as 6% of your body weight. Doctors say that heavy loads can cause shoulder pain or lower-back pain.
Step One
Students are divided into groups of three
Weigh yourself or if you want to don’t want to use your actual weight look at the charts attached. Read the graph and use the average body weight for your size.
If you chose to use the charts, weigh your backpack on the scale provided.
Once you have a body weight, use mathematical calculations to discover whether or not your back pack is too heavy for your weight.
Your backpack should weigh only 15% of your body weight.
Now, repeat the procedure eliminating those items in your backpack until you reach the point that your backpack is 15% of your body weight.
In your backpack, what is contributing to your backpack being overweight?