Created byDaniel LeVasseur
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Measure, Explore, Build: A Journey from Nonstandard to Standard Units
Grade 2Math4 days
★★★★★
5.0 (1 rating)MeasurementNonstandard UnitsStandard UnitsRulersCollaborationCritical ThinkingElementary Education
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can second graders use their understanding of nonstandard units to measure objects accurately with inches, and what strategies and tools can they develop to transition from nonstandard to standard units like inches and centimeters?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is a standard unit of measurement, and why is it important?
- How can you use a ruler to measure the length of an object accurately?
- What strategies can you use to ensure there are no gaps or overlaps when measuring?
- How does measuring with nonstandard units compare to measuring with standard units like inches and centimeters?
- What tools can help you measure length, and how do you decide which one to use?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to measure the length of an object in inches using a ruler, ensuring accuracy with no gaps or overlaps.
- Students will understand the concept of standard units of measurement and their importance in everyday life.
- Students will develop strategies for using rulers to measure accurately and effectively.
- Students will transition from using nonstandard units to measuring with standard units like inches and centimeters.
- Students will collaborate in groups to investigate and measure objects, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.
Common Core Standards for Mathematics
2.MD.A.1
Primary
Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.Reason: This standard directly aligns with the project's focus on measuring objects using rulers and understanding the transition from nonstandard to standard units.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mysterious Measurement Challenge
Kick off the project by presenting a 'mystery object' wrapped in a box. Tell students they need to estimate its length using nonstandard units before they can open the box to measure it with rulers. This stimulates curiosity about measurement accuracy and engages them to explore how different units give varied results.Treasure Hunt for Measurements
Create a treasure hunt where students must find objects around the room to measure using both nonstandard units and rulers. Each object will have a clue that leads to the next, making the measurement process integral to advancing in the game. This activity connects their prior knowledge with real-world applications.The Builders' Workshop
Invite students into a ‘Builders' Workshop’ scenario where they are tasked to measure and ‘build’ small structures using paper blocks or other simple materials. This hands-on activity will show the importance of precise measurements in creation and construction, leading into the project goal of understanding standard measurement units.Standard vs. Nonstandard Measurement Debate
Start a debate by posing a question: 'What measurement is more important: standard or nonstandard?' Facilitate discussions that allow students to defend, explore, and challenge their preconceived ideas about measurement, leading to a deeper understanding and curiosity about inches and centimeters.Measure it: The Mini Olympics
Host a 'Mini Olympics' event where students measure how far they can jump, throw, or stretch using both nonstandard units and standard units like inches and centimeters. This event infuses excitement and emphasizes practical application of measurement skills in a fun, competitive environment.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
The Mysterious Measurement Challenge
Students are introduced to measurement by estimating the length of a 'mystery object' wrapped in a box using nonstandard units. The aim is to pique students' curiosity about accuracy in measurement and transition from nonstandard to standard units.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Present a wrapped 'mystery object' to the class.
2. Ask students to estimate the length using objects like paperclips or blocks as nonstandard units.
3. Record each group's estimated measurement on the board.
4. Unwrap the object and provide each group with a ruler to measure its actual length in inches.
5. Discuss the differences in measurements and what could cause them.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA recorded chart of estimated and actual measurements.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 2.MD.A.1 by fostering an initial understanding of measurement accuracy and transitioning from nonstandard to standard metrics.Activity 2
Treasure Hunt for Measurements
A treasure hunt around the classroom where students find and measure objects using both nonstandard units and rulers. This practical activity connects prior knowledge with real-world measurement applications.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Organize students into small groups and provide each with a clue to start the hunt.
2. Instruct groups to find objects around the room and measure them first with nonstandard units, then with a ruler.
3. Ensure each clue leads to the next object, incorporating the use of different measure units.
4. Have students record their findings and compare measurements.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA measurement log comparing nonstandard and standard units for several objects.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports 2.MD.A.1 by encouraging students to apply measurement skills practically, moving from nonstandard units to understanding standard ones.Activity 3
The Builders' Workshop
In a workshop setting, students measure and ‘build’ small structures using measured paper blocks, exploring the importance of precision and the role of standard units in construction.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Divide students into teams and provide materials like paper blocks for constructing models.
2. Guide students to plan their construction by first measuring the length of each block in inches.
3. Instruct teams to build a structure based on their measurements.
4. Discuss with the class how precise measurements affected their structures.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaborative model structure demonstrating accurate measurements.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 2.MD.A.1 by illustrating the significance of precise measurement in building and construction.Activity 4
Standard vs. Nonstandard Measurement Debate
A structured debate where students examine the importance of using standard measurements over nonstandard ones, fostering critical thinking and understanding of measurement systems.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Pose the debate question: 'What measurement is more important: standard or nonstandard?' to the class.
2. Divide students into groups to prepare arguments for both sides.
3. Facilitate the debate, encouraging respectful discussion and evidence-based arguments.
4. Conclude with a group reflection on what was learned about measurement importance.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA debate presentation with points regarding measurement systems.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports 2.MD.A.1 by enhancing students' understanding of standardized measurements and their global relevance.Activity 5
Measure it: The Mini Olympics
Students participate in a 'Mini Olympics' event where they measure activities like jumping or throwing using both nonstandard units and standard units, reinforcing the practical application of measurement skills.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Organize the class into small teams for different events like jumping, throwing, etc.
2. Instruct students to measure their results in nonstandard units first, then in inches or centimeters.
3. Record results for each event in a class chart for comparison.
4. Analyze the data collected to discuss the efficiency of measurement units used.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA class chart displaying the comparison of results in nonstandard and standard units.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsExercises 2.MD.A.1 by allowing students to actively use and compare different measurement units in an engaging, physical context.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioMeasurement Mastery Rubric: Standard vs. Nonstandard Units
Category 1
Understanding and Application of Measurement Concepts
Assesses students' grasp on the importance of measurement units and their application in real-world scenarios.Criterion 1
Understanding of Standard Units
Measures the students’ comprehension of why standard measurement units are significant and how they differ from nonstandard units.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of the importance of standard measurement units and clearly articulates their distinctions and benefits over nonstandard units.
Proficient
3 PointsShows a strong understanding of standard measurements and can explain why these units are useful, with some reference to differences from nonstandard units.
Developing
2 PointsShows a basic understanding of standard units but struggles to distinguish fully between standard and nonstandard measurements.
Beginning
1 PointsExhibits minimal understanding of standard measurement units, unable to effectively contrast or utilize them compared to nonstandard units.
Criterion 2
Accuracy in Measurement
Evaluates the precision of students’ measurement skills using rulers to avoid gaps and overlaps in their calculations.
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently demonstrates accurate measurement skills, precisely using rulers without gaps or overlaps to ascertain object lengths.
Proficient
3 PointsTypically measures objects accurately using rulers with minor gaps or overlaps occurring occasionally.
Developing
2 PointsShows developing measurement skills with frequent inaccuracies due to consistent gaps or overlaps.
Beginning
1 PointsExhibits minimal ability to measure objects accurately, often resulting in significant gaps or overlaps.
Category 2
Collaboration and Communication Skills
Assesses students’ ability to work effectively in groups, discussing and sharing their measurement strategies and insights.Criterion 1
Teamwork and Participation
Measures the student’s engagement and collaborative spirit during group tasks and discussions.
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently demonstrates leadership and active collaboration in group activities, presenting ideas and supporting peers effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsActively participates and contributes beneficial ideas in group activities, working well with others.
Developing
2 PointsInconsistent participation and contribution to group activities, showing some ability to work with peers.
Beginning
1 PointsRarely participates in group activities, showing little to no engagement or contribution to team efforts.
Category 3
Critical Thinking and Reflection
Assesses students' ability to analyze and reflect on their learning and measurement methods.Criterion 1
Reflective Analysis of Measurement Practices
Evaluates students' ability to reflect on and critically assess their measurement strategies and results for continuous improvement.
Exemplary
4 PointsThoroughly evaluates their measurement methods, identifying strengths and areas for improvement with insightful self-reflection.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively reviews and recognizes their measurement practices, noting where improvement might be needed.
Developing
2 PointsShows limited ability to reflect on their measurement practice, occasionally identifying areas needing improvement.
Beginning
1 PointsExhibits minimal ability to assess or reflect on their measurement methods resulting in little awareness of improvement areas.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
What new insights have you gained about the differences between standard and nonstandard units of measurement?
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Question 2
How confident do you feel about using a ruler to measure objects accurately?
Scale
Required
Question 3
Which activity helped you the most in transitioning from nonstandard to standard measurements, and why?
Multiple choice
Required
Options
The Mysterious Measurement Challenge
Treasure Hunt for Measurements
The Builders' Workshop
Standard vs. Nonstandard Measurement Debate
Measure it: The Mini Olympics
Question 4
What strategies did you develop to ensure there were no gaps or overlaps while measuring with a ruler?
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Question 5
How did working in groups enhance your understanding and skills in measuring objects?
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Optional