MeasurementJune 14, 2012

MeasurementTo measure something, one must perform 3 steps:1. Decide on the attribute to be measured.2. Select a unit that has that attribute.3. Compare the units, by filling, covering,

matching, or some other method, with the attribute of the object being measured.

A Logical Sequence for Concept DevelopmentStep 1:Goal: Students will understand the attribute to be measured.

Type of Activity: Make comparisons based on the attribute. For example, longer / shorter, heavier / lighter. Use direct comparisons whenever possible.

Notes: When it is clear that the attribute is understood, there is no further need for comparison activities.

Step 2:Goal: Students will understand how filling covering, matching, or making other comparisons of an attribute with measuring units produces a number called a measure.

Type of Activity: Use physical models of measuring units to fill, cover, match, or make the desired comparison of the attribute with the unit.

Notes: In most instances it is appropriate to begin with informal units. Progress to the direct use of standard units when appropriate and certainly before using formulas or measuring tools.

Step 3Goal: Students will use common measuring tools with understanding and flexibility.Type of Activity: Make measuring instruments and use them in comparison with the actual unit models to see how the measurement tool is performing the same function as the individual units. Be certain to make direct comparisons between the student-made tools and the standard units.Notes: Student-made tools are usually best made with informal units. Without a careful comparison with the standard tools, much of the value in making the tools can be lost.

Linear MeasurementLink to Best Practices Weekly

Video: Teaching Measurement Concepts

Area and Perimeter3rd grade and aboveComparison Activities (Pg. 323-326)Two-Piece ShapesTangram AreasFill and CompareSmaller to LargerFixed AreasFixed Perimeters

Measuring Volume and Capacity3rd grade and above

Comparison Activities (Pg. 327-328)Capacity SortCapacity LineupMake your own measuring cups

Weight and Mass3rd grade and above

Making comparisons (Pg. 328-329)Compare by lifting objects, then by using a balance and / or a spring scale.

Weight is a measure of the pull of gravity on an object.Mass is the amount of matter in an object and a measure of the force needed to accelerate it.

Measuring Angles4th grade and above

Comparing Angles (Pg. 329-331)Measuring AnglesMaking a Protractor

Developing Unit Familiarity in Both Systems2nd grade and aboveStandard Units (Pg. 331-333)About One UnitFamiliar ReferencesPersonal BenchmarksGuess the Unit

Some examples and relationships among units1 liter of water weighs 1 kilogram, so 1 cubic meter — 1000

liters — of water weighs 1000 kilograms or 1 metric ton.1 mL = 1 cm3

1 milliliter is the same volume as 1 cubic centimeter.1 mL of water has a mass of approximately 1 gThe mass of 1 milliliter of water is approximately 1 gram.1 L of water has a mass of approximately 1 kgThe mass of 1 liter of water is therefore approximately 1 kilogram.1 m3 of water has a mass of approximately 1 t1 ha is 1002 m2

1 hectare is 10 000 square meters, equivalent to the area of a square 100 meters on a side. A football field is about 100 meters long, so imagine a square the length of a football field on each side, and that's 1 hectare.

Benchmark ExamplesThe diameter of a CD or DVD is 12 cm. The diameter of the center hole is 15 millimeters.

Although there's no precise standard for doorknob heights, a doorknob is typically about 1 m high.

1 liter of water weighs 1 kilogram, so 1 cubic meter — 1000 liters — of water weighs 1000 kilograms or 1 metric ton.

A US cent weighs exactly 2.5 g, while the nickel weighs exactly 5 g.

Estimating MeasuresPre K and abovePre K and K (Pg. 130-131)1st and above (Pg. 333-335)

Developing Formulas3rd grade and above(Pg. 335-340)

Measuring TemperatureBenchmark Temperatures32°F and 0°C are the temperatures at which

water freezesRoom temperature is approximately 70°F or

21°C212°F and 100°C are the temperatures at

which water boils

Measuring TimeReading a ClockStart with a one-handed clock. (hour hand

only)Estimate the time.Discuss what happens with the minute hand

as the hour hand goes around. Predict where the minute hand will be when the hour hand is ___.

Teach time in 5-minute intervals. SMART Notebook Clock with hidden numbers

Time - Common CoreFirst Grade – tell and write time in hours

and half hours using analog and digital clocksSecond Grade – Tell and write time from

analog and digital clocks to the nearest 5 minutes, using a.m. and p.m.

3rd Grade – Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in minutes. Solve word problems that involve adding and subtracting time intervals and represent the problem on a number line.