Title of Book: Millions to Measure

Title of Book: Millions to Measure

Author: David M. Schwartz

Publisher: Harper Collins

ISBN: 0-06-084806-5

Grade Levels for Recommended Use:

This activity can be used for grades 4 – 8. Younger students may need more guidance or a demonstration of the lab.

TEKS:

7.2 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to:

(C) collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as, labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers;

Brief Summary:

This lab can be used in a science or mathematics classroom to practice measurement and look at the importance of measurement. Millions to Measure is a fun book that will peak the students interest in measurements and the different ways objects can be measured. This book can be divided into sections and used for many different lessons and activities.

Materials needed:

-  Millions to Measure Book

-  Gummy Bear Lab worksheet

-  Measuring stick (metric)

-  Gummy Bears

-  Graduated cylinder

-  Water

Suggested Activity:

1.  Start class by discussing measurement with the students and determine their prior knowledge about measurement.

2.  Have a brief discussion about why measurement is important

3.  Give each student a copy of the Gummy Bear Lab worksheet

4.  Have the students take a few minutes to write their hypothesis

5.  Give each group a measuring stick, dry gummy bear, gummy bear that has been soaked in water and a graduated cylinder.

6.  Have the students read the lab and complete it following the directions.

7.  Walk around and monitor groups to ensure they are completing the lab correctly.

8.  After all the groups have finished, discuss how they got their measurements

9.  Ask if their calculated volume was the same as the volume they measured with the graduated cylinder

10.  Discuss why they are different and why this is important.

References and or websites:

http://sciencespot.net/Media/mmaniabearlab.pdf (Lab worksheet)

http://jmathpage.com/JIMSMeasurementlength.html

http://www.funbrain.com/measure/

http://www.rickyspears.com/rulergame/

Adapted by Samantha Uhlenhaker, 2012