OklahomaPanhandleStateUniversity
Math-Ese Workshop
December 9, 2006
“How Do You Measure Up?”
The student will measure, record, and compare various body measurement patterns.
Nancy Lines
Name: Nancy Lines
Grade Level/Subject: 4th Grade Math
Topic: Measurement Patterns
Objectives:
The students will measure, record, and determine various body measurement patterns.
The student will demonstrate various measurement units.
Objectives (P.A.S.S.):
Standard 1: Patterns
- 1.Discover patterns
Standard 4: Measurement
4a. Estimate the measures of a variety of objects and compare units.
Materials:
Children’s book, How Do You Measure Up?, by Neil Pollard and Mary McDonald, SRA Division of Macmillan/McGraw-Hill School Publishing Company, ISBN #0-383-03697-6.
Yarn
Rulers
Introduction:
The lesson will begin with a short, guided discussion about measurement. Talk about typical units used to measure different objects such as inches, centimeters, pounds, ounces, etc. Explain that other units of measurement can be used.
Read the book, How Do You Measure Up?
Instructional Process:
- 1.Give the students the attached worksheet to complete as the students measure their bodies using the units described in the book.
- 2.When measuring with their hand span, make sure they understand how to do it. Review the places on their body they are to measure and record. After the class has measured and recorded their measurements, compare their results with the other students. What patterns do they see?
- 3.When measuring their skull, place yarn around their heads and cut it off. They will then follow the steps on the worksheet. Compare the class’ findings. Did everyone find that the string went around his/her neck and wrist?
- 4.Continue on with the other comparisons and measurements. Share what each student discovered with the class. When measuring the length of their arm span and their height, they will need to work with a partner.
Closure:
The class will be asked to write in their math journals. They will explain what they learned today and draw an example of it.
Assessment:
The students will be assessed by the accuracy of their worksheet and the journal writings.
Modifications:
Advanced Students: They could research history to see other methods used the measure.
Special Needs: They may need some assistance in measuring and recording.
Reflections:
This activity allowed my students to think outside the box. They were amazed at the patterns they saw. When measuring their skull, make sure you cut the string long enough.
“How Do You Measure UP?”
Hand Span:
Big toe to your ankle bone ______hand spans.
Ankle bone to your kneecap ______hand spans.
Kneecap to the top of your leg ______hand spans.
Top of your leg to your waist ______hand spans.
Waist to your armpit ______hand spans.
Armpit to the top of your ear ______hand spans.
Top of your ear to the top of your head ______hand spans.
Other Measurements
Using string:
- Measure your skull. ______in. ______cm
- Fold the string in half.
- Will it now go around your neck? ______
- Fold the string in half again.
- Will it go around you wrist? ______
Ask Yourself?????
1. Is the length of my ring finger equal to the length of my ear? ______
2. Is your little finger the same length as your nose? ______
What about your feet?
- Measure your foot. ______in. ______cm
- Is it about the same length as your forearm? ______
- Measure your other foot. ______in. ______cm
- Is one of your feet bigger than the other? ______
- Right or left? ______
- Is it on the same side as the hand you use the most? ______
Follow these steps:
- What is the distance between your out-stretched arms? ______
- What is your height? ______
- Are they the same? ______