Marvelous Masters of Measurement

Summary

Students are challenged with determining what objects will fit in a pencil box. They will need to accurately measure several objects in both inches and centimeters and construct a viable argument defending why it will fit in the box.

Materials

• inch and CM ruler
• baggie of various school supplies such as unsharpened pencils, cap eraser, crayon box, glue stick, wedge eraser, marker
• paper and pencil for recording

Background for Teachers

• understand repeated use of the same unit of measurement to measure one object
• understand standard units of measurement
• questioning strategies to clarify student understanding

Student Prior Knowledge

• students need to know how to measure using a ruler
• students need to how to compare numbers and the meaning of comparison symbols <,>,=
• students need to be familiar with defending or proving their answers

Intended Learning Outcomes

• students will measure objects using inch and CM rulers accurately (MP 5 & 6)
• students will compare two measurements of each object (MP 2)
• students will analyze comparisons and make a concluding statement (MP 3)

Instructional Procedures

Students will help their teacher determine if random school objects will fit in a tool box by measuring each object twice, using inches and centimeters. Students will need to defend and prove their reasoning.

Strategies for Diverse Learners

• give students the option to measure twice using same units of measurement
• ensure ruler has the 0 at the end
• student can place object on paper, mark beginning and end, draw joining line and measure the line instead

Extensions

• students can predict and then measure
• measure other objects at their station