We have been measuring up a storm in our classroom! The Math Investigations Unit we are working on suggests introducing different units of measurement to kids in a way they understand....by using materials they are already familiar with. We started with using connecting cubes, paper clips, and inch tiles. After measuring several items with these "units," the students were able to conclude that the size of the unit affects the number of units long that item is. For example, an object that was 3 paper clips long could also be 5 connecting cubes long. The numbers were different because connecting cubes are smaller, and therefore, you have to use more cubes to measure the object.
After measuring with smaller units, we moved into measuring longer distances or lengths with bigger units. We measured using baby steps, kids steps, craft sticks, and basketball player steps.
Students have really seemed to enjoy measurement and using the different units!
Our unit test will ask the student to explain why different units give different measurements for the same length.
--Ms. Brandt
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