Unit 9, Lesson 14
Measuring Long Distances over Uneven Terrain (Optional)
Accelerated 6
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
In this optional lesson, students brainstorm ideas about how to measure long distances, possibly over uneven terrain. As students work in groups to try out the accuracy and effectiveness of different methods, they construct arguments and critique the reasoning of others (MP3). Some of the methods involve proportional reasoning. Students use appropriate tools when they plan and try out methods of measurement (MP5).
- Choose a method and appropriate measuring tools to measure the length of a path.
- Compare and contrast (orally and in writing) methods for measuring long distances.
- Compare measurements of a path and represent (in writing) the difference between measurements as a percentage.
Let’s measure long distances over uneven terrain.
Required Materials
Activity 2
Activity 3
Required Preparation
Choose a path outside of the classroom that students can measure the length of. The length should be between 50 and 100 meters (long enough that it cannot be measured directly with a tape measure. Ideally it should include some curves or elevation changes (but not stairs). A long hallway would also be okay, especially if it goes around corners. This is not part of the 5K course, rather it is just a path to test measuring methods.