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The purpose of this activity is for students to measure the same length using three different length units. Students choose which units they would like to use. When groups compare their measurements, they notice that although they measured the same length, they got different measurements. Students consider why this could be and determine that when they use a different size length unit, they get a different number to describe the length. Some students may notice that the number of units needed depends on the size of each individual length unit, but this is not a discussion point until grade 2.
Circle the 3 objects you will use:
connecting cubes
small cubes
small paper clips
large paper clips
Measure the length of Jeison's foot with each object you chose and fill in the table.
| object | length |
|---|---|
The purpose of this activity is for students to use what they have learned about measuring length to determine whether measurements are accurate. Students understand that they need to use same-size units to be accurate and precise in their measurements (MP6).
Andre measures his teacher’s shoe.
He says it is 15 connecting cubes long.
Is his measurement accurate?
Explain your reasoning.
Jada measures her teacher’s shoe.
She says it is 12 connecting cubes long.
Is her measurement accurate?
Explain your reasoning.
Clare measures her teacher’s shoe.
She says it is 30 small cubes long.
Is her measurement accurate?
Explain your reasoning.
Kiran measures his teacher’s shoe.
He says it is 19 cubes long.
Is his measurement accurate?
Explain your reasoning.
Display the images that show Andre’s measurement of his teacher’s shoe from the previous activity.
“Today we looked at how other students measured their teacher’s shoe. We discussed ways to revise Kiran’s measurement of 19 cubes because he used some connecting cubes and some small cubes.”
“Kiran says that Andre’s measurement must not be accurate either because he used two different cubes.”
“What do you think Kiran means? Do you agree with his argument about Andre’s measurement?” (I think he means there are 2 different colors. I disagree. The different colors do not matter. Each connecting cube has the same length. Each cube is the same size and Andre did not have any gaps or overlaps.)
As time permits, display Clare’s measurement and ask, “What about Clare’s measurement? She used many different colors of small cubes. Is her measurement of 30 small cubes accurate?” (Yes, it’s accurate. The color does not affect the measurement. What matters is that each cube has the same length and that there are no gaps or overlaps.)