Maui’s Dolphin –

Activity 6: How do you compare to Maui’s?
– Dolphin maths
You will need
• Maui’s dolphin drawing (see Appendix 2)
• Tape measure and ruler per group of three students
Instructions
1. Students first estimate whether or not they think they will be smaller than, the same
length as or longer than a Maui’s dolphin. Record a tally of each of these on the board.
2. Students then lie along the length of a life-size Maui’s dolphin drawn in chalk on the
ground or a line measuring 1.2–1.7m and arrange themselves into groups, who are
smaller, the same length or longer than a Maui’s dolphin.
3. Make a table on the board with two columns. Label the first column, “Height/Length”
and the second column “Number of students”. Students work in groups of three to
measure each other’s height. One student stands against a wall. The second student
marks the height against the wall by placing a ruler on top of the first student’s head.
The third student uses the tape measure to measure the height from the ruler to the
floor. Alternatively they may prefer to lie along the floor.
4. As each group completes their height/length measurements, their data is recorded on
the table by writing in the height/length of each student and making a tally mark in the
second column. If their height is already listed, then only a tally mark is needed.
5. After all the data is collected the students display the results as a bar graph.
6. Depending upon the level of students, conclude the analysis by:
a) Writing the total number of students whose height is:
• less than the smallest average length of an adult dolphin (1.2m), using the < symbol
• greater than the largest average length of an adult dolphin (1.7m), using the > symbol
• the same as the length of the dolphins (1.2–1.7m), using the = symbol
b) Calculating the fraction or percentage of students that:
• are shorter than the smallest average length of an adult dolphin (1.2m)
• are taller than the largest average length of an adult dolphin (1.7m)
• have the same height as the average length of an adult dolphin (1.2–1.7m)
7. Additional exercises:
a) Students can make a list of items in the classroom that are the same length as a
newborn calf (50–70cm).
Maui’s Dolphin – An inquiry to action
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