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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Makeshift measurements

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L696

A lesson plan for grades 2–3 Mathematics

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Students will verify measurements for common objects in the classroom, use these objects to determine the size or spacing of other objects, and suggest additional objects that can be included in the class’ list of “makeshift measures.” Illuminations provides necessary tools and helpful standard measurements for completing the activity.

Students will:

  • Accurately measure dimensions of common objects collected by the teacher.
  • Use standard size objects as references to determine sizes or spacing of other objects.
  • Generate a list of additional objects that could be used as referents in measuring length.

NCTM Standards and Expectations covered in this lesson include:

  • Selecting and using benchmarks to estimate measurements.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 2

  • Goal 2: Measurement - The learner will recognize and use standard units of metric and customary measurement.
    • Objective 2.01: Estimate and measure using appropriate units.
      • Length (meters, centimeters, feet, inches, yards).
      • Temperature (Fahrenheit).

Grade 3

  • Goal 2: Measurement - The learner will recognize and use standard units of metric and customary measurement.
    • Objective 2.02: Estimate and measure using appropriate units.
      • Capacity (cups, pints, quarts, gallons, liters).
      • Length (miles, kilometers).
      • Mass (ounces, pounds, grams, kilograms).
      • Temperature (Fahrenheit, Celsius).