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

Mass of maize

Students will weigh different products made from corn to determine if a cup of each product has the same mass. Students will use measurement and estimation skills.

A lesson plan for grade 4 Mathematics

By Julie Franklin

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

  • arrange ziploc bags of the different corn products in order from least mass to greatest mass.
  • record their estimates of each product’s mass on the record sheet.
  • accurately measure the mass of each product and record the mass in grams on the record sheet.
  • use computation skills to find the difference between their estimates and the products’ mass.
  • use the actual measurements to compare the mass of the corn products using greater than, less than and equal signs.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

60 minutes

Materials/resources

  • 5 sets of balance scales
  • 5 ziploc bags of one cup of each of the following:
    • cornflakes
    • cornmeal
    • popped popcorn
    • unpopped popcorn
    • grits
  • 5 sets of gram stackers
  • one record sheet per student
  • pencil

Pre-activities

Students will need to have accurate measuring skills.

Activities

  1. The teacher will divide the students into 5 groups with 4-5 students per group.
  2. Each group receives a balance scale, a set of gram stackers, and a basket containing baggies filled with one cup of each corn product.
  3. In the group, students should estimate the mass of each bag and arrange bags in order of least to greatest mass.
  4. Students will then record their estimates of mass for each bag on the record sheet.
  5. Using the gram stackers and the balance scales, students will weigh each bag and record the mass on the record sheet.
  6. Students will then find the difference between their estimates and the actual measurements.
  7. Students will then compare the mass of the corn products on the record sheet using greater than, less than and equal signs.

Assessment

Students’ understanding of measuring mass will be assessed by teacher observation of the measuring process and by reviewing the students’ record sheet.

Supplemental information

Comments

I have found that this activity works well when introducing measurement using the metric system. The students enjoy using the materials and the activity encourages social skills when working in cooperative groups.

North Carolina curriculum alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 4

  • Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will read, write, model, and compute with non-negative rational numbers.
    • Objective 1.01: Develop number sense for rational numbers 0.01 through 99,999.
      • Connect model, number word, and number using a variety of representations.
      • Build understanding of place value (hundredths through ten thousands).
      • Compare and order rational numbers.
      • Make estimates of rational numbers in appropriate situations.
    • Objective 1.05: Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers, and paper and pencil.

  • Common Core State Standards

    • Mathematics (2010)

      • Grade 4

        • Measurement & Data
          • 4.MD.1Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units including km, m, cm; kg, g; lb, oz.; l, ml; hr, min, sec. Within a single system of measurement, express measurements in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Record measurement...
        • Number & Operations in Base Ten1
          • 4.NO.2Read and write multi-digit whole numbers using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form. Compare two multi-digit numbers based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.