California Academy of Science
How Big is Big?
In a math or life science class, "mini-me" models are created with cardstock to reflect a 1:10 scale of young scholars' bodies. Learners measure each others' heights with meter sticks, and then reduce the size by 10. After this exercise,...
Curated OER
Discovering Pi/Welcome to Pi Day
Students explore pi. In this circle measurement lesson, students define and identify radius, diameter, circumference, and perimeter. Students work in groups to measure several plastic lids and record their findings. Students compare the...
Curated OER
Measuring Inches
First graders measure the length of pipe cleaners to form worms using rulers to focus on inches. They record their results and graph the measurement of each pipe cleaner. They measure their pipe cleaner "worms" in various colors and...
EngageNY
Looking More Carefully at Parallel Lines
Can you prove it? Making assumptions in geometry is commonplace. This resource requires mathematicians to prove the parallel line postulate through constructions. Learners construct parallel lines with a 180-degree rotation and then...
Curated OER
The Amazing Inch and Measuring Up!
Fifth graders study the metric and customary systems of measuring length with rulers, meter / yardsticks, and tape measures. They determine area of polygons and surface area and volume of three-dimensional shapes. They list as many...
Curated OER
Lesson Design Archaeology- Measuring Distance
Students measure and write specific metric distances. In this archaeology activity, students are given specific artifact locations on a map and measure the distance using millimeters.
Curated OER
Measuring a Mummy Case
Students calculate the size of a mummy case and its contents using ancient Egyptian measurements.
Curated OER
Let's Measure
Learners measure shells using 3 different methods. In this measurement lesson, students work in two groups to measure the length of a shell using two different units of measure. The groups compare their results, measure the shell again...
Curated OER
Nonstandard Measurement
Students find a partner with the same finger, arm and foot span as they have. In this nonstandard measurement lesson, students compare the length of their index finger, arm and feet. Students who don't match anyone find the closest...
Curated OER
Fun With Adhesives
Students observe, measure, and record the properties in making objects stick together using science tools. In this science lesson plan, students explore with their senses while mixing flour and water. Additionally, students share their...
Illustrative Mathematics
Who is the Tallest?
A simple question, with a not-so-simple answer. Working with whole and mixed number measurements in inches, feet, and yards presents a problem with many possible solutions. A great activity that challenges the minds of young...
Wisconsin Online Resource Center
Oversized Inch
Each member of the class creates their own paper ruler. Using their ruler, kids walk around the room measuring the objects you've specified. Discuss how items should be measured to the 16th of an inch, the smallest unit on their ruler....
Curated OER
Oversized Inc
Fourth graders become familiar with fractional parts of a ruler. In this measurement lesson, 4th graders measure various objects to an 1/8 of an inch. Students measure a piece of paper based on teacher direction. Students discuss the...
Curated OER
How Tall is that Tree?
Students use their feet to measure distance between themselves and a tree trunk. In this distance lesson, students use the number of steps, and string to measure distances and height of the tree. Students can get the tree height when...
Curated OER
Arctic Animals: How Do They Measure Up?
Young scientists grab their measuring tapes, rulers, and yard sticks as they see how big Arctic animals really are. To conceptualize the trait of height or length, each small group will measure out the entire length of an arctic animal....
PBS
Frame Yourself: Area and Perimeter
Elementary schoolers are arranged in pairs and view the video Math Works: Measurement: The Difference Between Perimeter and Area. They discuss any prior knowledge they have of the term perimeter and then brainstorm together what the...
Curated OER
Exploring Height with Abe Lincoln
Students examine a life-size count out of Abraham Lincoln to get a visual comparison of their height and Lincoln's. They work in pairs and trace each other's body and measure from head to toe in inches using a ruler. They then subtract...
Curated OER
Flight Path
Young mathematicians investigate that things move in a directional path. They construct a paper airplane and measure an airplane's length of flight. Everyone constructs a map with a key showing their airplane's flight path
TryEngineering
What is a Nanometer?
Exactly how small is a nanometer? Scholars investigate the scale of a nanometer by measuring classroom objects and converting these measurements to nanometers.
Curated OER
Picture Board
Learners divide a poster board so everyone gets the same amount of area to decorate. Youngsters talk about the different ways to divide a rectangle. They measure their lines to make sure that each piece is equal and then decorate their...
Curated OER
Piles of Paper
Track how much paper their class uses in a week. They will pile their used paper into one place, each day the pile is measured. They make predictions about how much paper they would collect in a month, then recycle the paper.
Curated OER
Parachute Drop
Learners will have fun creating a parachute to collect data with. They will construct the parachute in small groups, measure the materials, and create an observation sheet. Then they drop the parachute and make predictions about how long...
Curated OER
Red Worms Rock!
Second graders measure red worms. In this instructional activity, 2nd graders observe and collect data on red worms. Students measure the red worms and create a graph with the data they collect.
Curated OER
New Ways to Measure
Students recognize that measuring tools can come in many different shapes and sizes. For this early childhood math lesson, students develop creative-thinking, math, and social skills as they use nontraditional measuring tools.