Lesson 52: Height in Feet
Lesson Objectives
- Learn unit names and abbreviations within both the standard and metric systems
- Demonstrate measurement of length by reading increments with customary (standard) units to the inch and metric units to the centimeter
- Demonstrate measuring length by placing tools end to end with no gaps or overlaps
- Measure objects found in everyday activities
- Select the appropriate tool to measure an object
- Select objects that would most likely be measured with a given tool
- Select a tool and measure the lengths of given items
- Compare lengths of given objects without measuring them and identify the appropriate tool
- Select an estimated length
- Measure an object to the nearest given unit and then to mixed units (e.g., feet and inches)
- Demonstrate basic application of measurement in both systems in everyday activities
Materials
- Extend Workbook (Page 52)
- Rulers, yardstick, tape measure
- Estimation jars full of various items
- Items or counters to use for estimation activities
Step 1: Warm Up (5 min)
Take out different length items (e.g. different pieces of string, yarn, shredded pieces of paper), and place them next to each other or hanging from the white board for students to see. Explain that each item is a certain length and we can measure using rulers, yardsticks, and tape measures (take out each and show). Based on how long something is will determine what you use to measure. Measure each item using a ruler and write the measurement below.
Step 2: Vocab Review (5 min)
Introduce estimation – When you need to estimate the length of something, it is often helpful to think about something else you know is about the same length, for example – pull estimates from things you already know are a certain length (e.g. 1 inch, 1 foot). Review prior vocabulary: inches (in), centimeters (cm), length, and long. When teaching inches and centimeter, take out a ruler to visually show the difference. Use actual items to show how many inches or centimeters it is.
Step 3: Model (5 min)
After teaching estimation and visually showing different forms of measurements, review lists of items that you could probably use a ruler to measure, a yard stick to measure, and a tape measure from last lesson (e.g. book, whiteboard, pencil, bed, pillow, television, fork, cell phone, etc.). Explain this can help when estimating. Play estimation games – give students a handful of items and instead of counting, ask them to guess how many are in their hand, in a jar, or on their desk. Write down the number and then count the actual total and compare.
Step 4: Guided Practice (5 min)
Introduce an estimation jars and ask students to estimate the total number of objects within each jar. Make it a game to see which student or group is closest to the total for each jar. Next, using a number line and previously listed items, estimate together how tall you are (the teacher) and how tall a few students are, using the tape measure or ready made markings on the whiteboard indicating feet. Have students write their estimations down, and then measure each person. Record actual heights and compare.
Step 5: Student Practice (5 min)
Go to Student Workbook Page (52). Read the directions. Estimate each person’s height using the side ruler in feet. Review what to do when a person’s height is halfway between two of the numbers (e.g. if between 3 and 4, 3 ½ feet).
Step 6: Wrap Up (5 min)
To wrap up the lesson, review the learning objectives and core vocabulary words again and ask your students about their experience.
