Measurement Tools Lesson Plans

Students examine different types of non-standard measurement. In this measuring instructional activity, students utilize their fingers, palms and feet as measuring tools. Students discuss the difference between measuring using parts of their body and using standard measurements.

Students realize the importance of organisms as standards of measurement and experimentation.The first lab is a simple survival curve that demonstrates the effects of UV light on cells. The second lab looks at repair mechanisms of the DNA molecule from visible light. The third lab uses yeast as a measurement tool to test the effectiveness of sunscreens.

Have your class practice measuring with standard and nonstandard tools. Primary learners use software and books to learn about measurement. They measure a variety of objects using nonstandard tools. Then, they use standard measurement tools to measure objects.

Third graders observe various measuring tools such as yard sticks, inch rulers, centimeter tapes, meter sticks, trundle wheels, etc. After a demonstration of how to read measuring tapes, they discuss the most appropriate tools to use in a specific situation. In partners, 3rd graders practice taking and recording measurements. Students compare U.S. customary and metric measurements.

First graders listen to the book "Inch By Inch" by Lionni as a introduction to this lesson on measuring with non-standard measurement systems. Students list objects available in the classroom to use as a measuring tool. Students usse non-standard measurement tools to measure common objects.

Third graders work in groups to find objects of specified lengths in the room. They estimate the measurement of each object in a given set. Student use measuring tools to measure the items. Information is recorded on worksheets. Students discuss the meaning of the word "length."

Students do spatial and visual estimation, use measuring tools, recognize factional parts of an inch, gather data, and organize and create a graph based on their findings.

Third graders examine and explore a variety of ways to measure length. They discuss how to measure large objects using the end-to-end method, and in small groups measure the length of the room using the end-to-end method with a nonstandard measuring tool. Next, 3rd graders determine which ramp allows a toy car to travel the furthest and discuss their observations.

Fourth graders use a variety of measuring tools to make pizza. In small groups they gather the materials and tools necessary to make pizza, and follow the recipe. For additional measurement activities, 4th graders also design the floor plan of a bookstore on graph paper.

Students brainstorm types of measurement tools. Using unifix cubes, they measure various objects located in the room and record the length. In groups, students participate in a "broad jump" activity and measure the distance they jumped. Additional multisensory activities are included.