Introduction
 Intro to Measurement
Activity 1
 Building Houses
Activity 2
 Short vs. Tall
Activity 3
 Brick Walls
Activity 4
 Designing Bridges
Activity 5
Measurement
Teacher Support
Extension Ideas
Standards
Alignment
Activity
Photographs
|
Objective: Students learn to measure the length of objects with integer bars.
Manipulative Activity: Children use
integer bars as a nonstandard tool to measure length. After students
have many experiences using nonstandard measurements, they can use
standard tools.
Students estimate and then use integer bars to measure the length of
a pencil, crayon, book, scissors, and spoon.
Distribute integer (Cuisenaire) bars to all the children in the class.
Students record information on a chart. They form cooperative groups
of five students each, in which they are responsible for discussing
what rods were used to measure their object (pencil, book, spoon,
scissors, crayon). Students exchange objects and follow the same procedure.
Note: When students use the bars to measure objects, they should
position the bars without leaving spaces between them. Sometimes their
measurements may be off track. It is okay for young children to make
estimations.
Technology Activity: Students use an
integer bar
applet written by Jacobo Bulaevsky to reinforce their understanding
of non-standard systems of measurement. Depending on the availability of
computers for your students, this activity can be done individually,
with partners, in groups, or as a class.
Refer to How to Use the Integer Bar Program for directions.
Note: When students use the bars to measure objects using the
applet, they should position the bars without leaving spaces between them
and they should be careful not to overlap the bars.
Have students go to Measurement.
Paper/Pencil Activity: Depending on
the level of your students, you can have them complete this activity
individually or with assistance. A possible activity:
Students use rods to measure the length of other objects in the room. Give pairs of students a list of items to measure in the classroom. Students write down their estimations, then select bars to use for measuring items. Students can use a chart that has four sections.
- item
- estimation
- color
- number
Literature Connections:
How Big Is A Foot?
Rolf Myller, Susan McCrath, (New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing, 1990)
Inch By Inch
Leo Lionni (New York: Astor-Honor, 1960)
Pezzettino
Leo Lionni, (New York: Pantheon, 1975)
|
The Math Forum is a research and educational enterprise of the Goodwin College of Professional Studies.
