Measurement

We are beginning a new math unit that focuses on measurement. Once we understand how to measure accurately using non-standard tools we will be able to apply this skill to our new Unit of Inquiry on plants. We have begun by focusing on the vocabulary longer and shorter. All students were asked to find objects in the room that were longer or shorter than their 'space stick' (used for writers workshop) and record them in their journal.

 We found a multitude of objects to compare and experimented with ways to measure accurately, and even ways to record our data like mathematicians.

Alina labeled her work so that others could interpret her data!

We then discussed how we really knew if something was longer or shorter than our space sticks, and realized the importance of lining items up. This brought us to our next lesson in which we were challenged to accurately measure and compare three crayons:

Stephanie and Armaan compare their results

Some of us had to be reminded of the importance of the lining the crayons up, and many of us learned how to accurately record our data as we discussed our results with our partners. We learned how to share our thinking as mathematicians would do and some of us even guided our teammates in more thorough understanding.

We will continue exploring measurement throughout the next several weeks.