Inching Our Way through Measurement

Designed by: Jodi McGill, Caughman Road Elementary

Core Curriculum Objective: Estimate, measure, compare, and order the length, height, or width of a given object using non-standard and standard units (inches/feet, centimeters/meters) and a variety of measurement tools. ( 2ME4-1) 

State Standard: (2V:A1) Explore the concepts of length,capacity, weight(mass), perimeter, area, time, temperature, and angle/estimate and then use a ruler to make linear measurements to the nearest centimeter and inch including the distance around a polygon (determine perimeter). Grade Level: second Subject: Math

Overview: The teacher will review how to use an inch ruler. She will read the story, Inch By Inch, by Leo Lionni to the class and lead a discussion on how the inchworm measured the different birds in the story. Through class computer demonstrations on measurement ( or through individual or small group computer work, students will become knowledgeable on how to read measurements using an inch ruler. Students will work in cooperative groups to create an Inch Poster and share with the class. As a culminating activity, the students will use their inch ruler to measure different objects in the classroom and record their information on a chart.

Focus Question: 
What is an inch? 
What is a foot? 
What is a ruler? 
What is a ruler used for? 
Why do we need to know the size of things?

Time Frame: 2 days/ 45 minutes each

Resources/Materials: 
Rulers 
Sentence strips 
Markers 
String, 
chalkboard magnets 
Scissors/glue/tape 
Paper/pencils 
Overhead projector/pen 
Overhead transparencies 
Poster board or l2x18" construction paper 
Items to measure: (pencil, eraser, calendar, foot, table, book, etc.) 
Ziploc bags* (to keep inchworm cutouts in) 
Inchworm cutouts 
Averkey/television 
Computer/Internet server* (in lab or classroom) 
Frank Schaffer's Math Works - reproducibles 

Book to Share: Inch By Inch - Leo Lionni: Scholastic, 1960.

Assessment: 
A. Day One- Group Assessment 
Inch Poster - Students are to include 10 or more items that are exactly 1 inch in length on their posters. 

1 point is awarded for each item on the poster that measures one inch in length. 

So that: 
10 or more points = + 
6 - 9 points = / 
5 or less points = - 

B. Day Two - Individual 
Inch Chart- 20 items will be listed on the chart. Each correct measurement will earn 1 point. Chart is included. 

So that: 
17 - 20 = + 
11 - 16 = / 
10- below = -

Instructional Activities: 
Day One: 

1) The teacher will tell the students that they will be learning more about measurement, specifically, how to measure the length, width, and height of things.

 2) The teacher will write the terms ( inch, foot, ruler, measure, length, width, height) on sentence strips. In whole group, the teacher will introduce each of these terms and place the sentence strip on the board with magnets for students to see. The teacher will use a ruler to show and draw the measurement of an "inch" line and a "foot" line on the board for the students to compare. Discussion should cover which is smaller, an inch or a foot? How many inches equal one foot? What things do we measure in length? What things are measured in width? What things can be measured in height?

3) The teacher will read the story, Inch By Inch , by Leo Lionni, to the class. Stimulate questions as the story is read to the students: * Why would he be able to measure the different birds? * How does he measure? * What are some things you would like to measure? * What do you think the worm will do when the nightingale asked the worm to measure her song? * Can you measure a song with an inch ruler? * How could you measure a song?

4) The teacher will reproduce inchworms, one for each student. Make extra worms to measure with. Students are to cut out the worms and be sure they are only one inch long. (Frank Schaffer, Math Works) Discuss in detail with the students how the inchworm measured the birds in the story. Have students find at least one object in the classroom that is the same length as their inchworm. Share their findings and discuss why their items are/are not an inch in length.

5) Explain that they will work in groups of three students. Each group will create an Inch Poster. Everything on the poster will need to be one inch in measurement. *If using slips of paper, paper clips, string, etc. supply tape or glue for students to use to secure the items on their posters. Students may use their inchworm or a ruler to measure items to be included on the poster. If the object is not moveable, the students may choose to illustrate the item or write its name on the poster. Each group should find 10 items to complete their poster.

6) Students will share posters and discuss the items they found. Posters will be evaluated by the teacher.

Day Two: 
1) The teacher will review terms on sentence strips with the students. Have students recall the meanings of each of the terms. The teacher will record their meanings on the board, next to the term.

2) The teacher will draw several lines on the overhead for students to come and measure using a ruler. * The teacher will illustrate several lines prior to the students measuring. ** Lines should be in inch and half inch increments.

3) Using the Averkey and computer, the teacher will access www.funbrain.com/kidscenter (select the game entitled, Measure It!) Access Level One for easy items first. Following several demonstration items, call on students to answer the questions.

4) The teacher will pass out inch rulers and Inch Charts. Students will locate the items in the classroom and measure them. Students will record their findings on the chart. The teacher will monitor student work.

5) Upon early completion of the Inch Chart, students can do the Enrichment Measurement Sheet individually or with a partner.

Name ____________________

Inch Chart 

Item __________________   Measurement ______________

1. paper clip___________________________________________________

2. scissors____________________________________________________

3. Hall Pass___________________________________________________

4. Television screen____________________________________________

5. Piece of notebook paper______________________________________

6. Unsharpened pencil__________________________________________

7. Nametag____________________________________________________

8. Teacher's shoe ______________________________________________

9. Chalkboard eraser ____________________________________________

10. Desktop_____________________________________________________

11.Your reading book ____________________________________________

12. Gluestick____________________________________________________

13. Stuffed Animal_______________________________________________

14. Kleenex Box ________________________________________________

15. Piece of drawing paper _______________________________________

16. Chair seat __________________________________________________

17. Window width_______________________________________________

18. Piece of chalk_______________________________________________

19. Crayon_____________________________________________________

20. Inch By Inch Book (across/down)________________________________ 

Enrichment Activity: