Description

This activity is a way for students to understand measuring in standard ways (using an inch ruler only) and non-standard ways (using unifix cubes). Students measure 10 different objects found in the classroom, including their own hands and feet, then record their findings.

Materials

- 1 Teacher basket used by the teacher for modeling the activity which consists of the following: stapler, dictionary, pair of scissors, CD case
- 1 Teacher Measurement worksheet
- 2 Sheets of white construction paper
- 1 Pencil
- 1 Inch Ruler
- Measurement worksheet (see attached file) for each student
- 1 Basket of student supplies for each group consisting of the following:
--1 Unsharpened pencil
--1 Eraser
--1 Marker
--1 Pre-measured string
--1 Straw
--1 Popsicle stick
--1 Glue stick
--1 Blackboard eraser
--1 Baggie with unifix cubes

Procedures

1. Form student groups and distribute Measurement Worksheets. Ask, "Why do you think we measure things? What do we measure with?"

2. Explain to the students that ten things are going to be measured; first, in a standard way, then in a non-standard way, using different measurement tools.

3. Explain that using a standard measuring tool results in precise, more accurate measurements.

4. Model how to measure correctly with a ruler, as well as cubes, by measuring four specific items that were put in a separate teacher basket, which include a stapler, a dictionary, scissors, and a CD case.

7. Encourage someone from each table to volunteer and come up to the front of the class to measure one of the four teacher chosen items, using both measuring tools.

8. Write down responses on the board or a chart previously prepared. This should be a replica of their Measurement Worksheet, but with the four different objects to model the format the students need to follow on their sheets.

9. Explain that the Measurement Worksheet is a final written product used as a way to check their understanding.

10. Display the supplies that are in the baskets and tell the students that each group will get a basket and that they will measure and record each object.

11. Explain that they will also trace their own hands and feet (shoes), either left or right, and then measure and record those findings as well.

12. Explain that they will need to share the supplies in the basket, but that each group will get their own basket. Therefore, each student measures all objects and traces and measures their hands and feet at different times, but they will all be completed by the time the lesson is finished. Stress the importance of using time wisely.

13. Walk around frequently and check for students' understanding.

14. Collect the Measurement Worksheets after all of the measurements are completed and review the findings together.

Attached Files

Measurement Mania Worksheet     File Extension: pdf