Measurement and Estimation

UNIT TITLE:       Counting On Frank
Author:Kathy Truffa
E-Mail Address:
School:Ridge Central School, Chicago Ridge, Illinois  60415
School Home Page URL: crsd.1275.org

THEME : Measuring and Estimating

BROAD CONCEPT: Good Judgment

GRADES: K-2

INTEGRATED SUBJECTS:  Mathematics, Technology, Reading, Language Arts

UNIT GOALS AND PURPOSE:

• Students develop understanding of measurement through real life experiences.
• Students will be involved in measuring activities
• Students will measure in inches using a ruler, tape measure, and yardstick.
• Students will measure a variety of different objects in their environment.
• Students will use graphic organizers to collect and record data.
• Students will use the computer, internet, and software programs to reinforce concepts.

    TIME FRAME:  This Unit will last between 10 - 12 days depending on how long each
                                 activity takes to complete.
 
 

OBJECTIVES:

In this lesson, students will:

• Understand the concept of measuring
  
• Understand the concept of estimating
• Define the terms measuring and estimating
• Follow directions given with accuracy
• Show accurate examples of items to be measured using exact measurement
• Show accurate examples of items used for estimation
• Develop measuring skills by using a ruler, tape measure, and yardstick.
• Apply and transfer measuring techniques modeled by the teacher to objects in environment.
• Use graphic organizers to collect, record, and analyze data.
• Use KidPix Deluxe to create a book about measurement and a Slide Show about measurement.
  

• Rulers
• Tape Measure
• Yard Stick
• M&M's
• Paper
• Pencils
• Pre-printed  Data Collection Sheets
  

• Technology tools 
•  Computer
• Internet Access
• Digital Camera
• LCD Projector
• Printer
  

• Software Used in this Unit
   

•      KidSpiration
•      The Cruncher
•      KidPix Deluxe
•      Reader Rabbit Math 1
•      Millies Math House
•      Print Artist
  

USING TECHNOLOGY
     Use appropriate instruments, electronic equipment, computers and networks to access information, process ideas and communicate results.

 WORKING ON TEAMS
      Learn and contribute productively as individuals and as members of groups.

MAKING CONNECTIONS
    Recognize and apply connections of important information and ideas within and among learning areas.A. Measure and compare quantities using appropriate units, instruments and methods.

      7.A.1a Measure length, volume and
                     weight/mass using rulers, scales
                     and other appropriate measuring
                     instruments in the customary and
                     metric systems.
        B. Estimate measurements and determine
          acceptable levels of accuracy.

                     7.B.1a Given a problem, describe
                     possible methods for estimating a
                     given measure.

                     7.B.1b Compare estimated measures
                     to actual measures taken with
                     appropriate measuring instruments..
                    
                     6.D.1 Compare the numbers of
                     objects in groups.
                     1.C.1a Use information to form
                     questions and verify predictions.

                     1.C.1b Identify important themes
                     and topics.

                     1.C.1c Make comparisons across
                     reading selections.

                     1.C.1d Summarize content of
                     reading material using text
                     organization (e.g., story,
                     sequence).

                     1.C.1e Identify how authors and
                     illustrators express their ideas in
                     text and graphics (e.g., dialogue,
                     conflict, shape, color, characters).

                     1.C.1f Use information presented
                     in simple tables, maps and charts
                     to form an interpretation. elect and use
                     appropriate technology, instruments and
                     formulas to solve problems, interpret results
                     and communicate findings.
 
                     7.C.1 Determine perimeter and area
                     using concrete materials (e.g.,
                     geoboards, square tiles, grids,
                     measurement instruments). A. Organize, describe
                     and make predictions from existing data.
 
                     10.A.1a Organize and display data
                     using pictures, tallies, tables,
                     charts or bar graphs.

                     10.A.1b Answer questions and
                     make predictions based on given
                     data. B. Formulate questions, design
                     data collection methods, gather and
                     analyze data and communicate findings.
 
                     10.B.1a Formulate questions of
                     interest and design surveys or
                     experiments to gather data.

                     10.B.1b Collect, organize and
                     describe data using pictures,
                     tallies, tables, charts or bar graphs.

                     10.B.1c Analyze data, draw
                     conclusions and communicate the
                     results. . Comprehend a broad range
                     of reading materials.
 
                     1.C.1a Use information to form
                     questions and verify predictions.

                     1.C.1b Identify important themes
                     and topics.

                     1.C.1c Make comparisons across
                     reading selections.

                     1.C.1d Summarize content of
                     reading material using text
                     organization (e.g., story,
                     sequence).

                     1.C.1e Identify how authors and
                     illustrators express their ideas in
                     text and graphics (e.g., dialogue,
                     conflict, shape, color, characters).

                     1.C.1f Use information presented
                     in simple tables, maps and charts
                     to form an interpretation. C. Communicate
                     ideas in writing to accomplish a variety
                     of purposes.
 
                     3.C.1a Write for a variety of
                     purposes including description,
                     information, explanation,
                     persuasion and narration.

                     3.C.1b Create media compositions
                     or productions which convey
                     meaning visually for a variety of
                     purposes. A. Listen effectively
                     in formal and informal situations.
 
                     4.A.1a Listen attentively by facing
                     the speaker, making eye contact
                     and paraphrasing what is said.

                     4.A.1b Ask questions and respond
                     to questions from the teacher and
                     from group members to improve
                     comprehension.

                     4.A.1c Follow oral instructions
                     accurately.

                     4.A.1d Use visually oriented and
                     auditorily based media. B. Speak effectively
                     using language appropriate to the situation
                     and audience.

                     4.B.1a Present brief oral reports,
                     using language and vocabulary
                     appropriate to the message and
                     audience (e.g., show and tell).

                     4.B.1b Participate in discussions
                     around a common topic. A. Locate, organize,
                     and use information from various sources to
                     answer questions, solve problems, and
                     communicate ideas.
 
                     5.A.1a Identify questions and
                     gather information.

                     5.A.1b Locate information using a
                     variety of resources.
                     C. Apply acquired information, concepts
                     and ideas to communicate in a variety of
                     formats.
                     5.C.1a Write letters, reports and
                     stories based on acquired
                     information.

                     5.C.1b Use print, nonprint, human
                     and technological resources to
                     acquire and use information.
                     5.B.1a Select and organize
                     information from various sources
                     for a specific purpose.
 

                    Number and Operations Standard
                    Instructional programs from prekindergarten through grade 12
                    should enable all students

•   Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers and number    systems  
  
•  Count with understanding and recognize "how many" in sets of objects

•  Understands patterns, relations, and functions.
•  Sort, classify, and order objects by size, number and other properties.                   
  

 
                    Understand measurable attributes of objects and the units,
                    systems, and processes of measurement

•   Recognize the attributes of length, volume, weight, area, and time

•   Compare and order objects according to these attributes;

•   Understand how to measure using nonstandard and standard units.

•   Select and appropriate unit and tool for the attribute being measured.

•   Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements
  

•   Measure with multiple copies of units of the same size, such as paper clips laid end to end

•   Using repetition of a single unit to measure something larger than the unit, for instance

            measuring the length of a room with a single meter stick;

•   Use tool to measure

•   Develop common referents for measures to make comparisons and estimates.

 
    Data Analysis and Probability Standard

•   Formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display  relevant data to answer them.                   
  
•    Pose questions and gather data about themselves and their surroundings.

•  Sort and classify objects according to their attributes and organize data about the objects
• .Represent data using concrete objects, pictures, and graphs.

•  Select and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze data

•  Describe parts of the data and the set of data as a whole to determine what the data shows.
  

•  Develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on data.

•  Discuss events related to students' experiences as likely or unlikely.

 
     Problem Solving Standard

•     Build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving.

•     Solve problems that arise in mathematics and other contexts.

•     Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems.

•      Monitor and reflect on the process of mathematical problem solving.

 
  Communication Standard

•     Organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication.

•     Communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and  others
  

•      Analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others.

•      Use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely.

 
 
 
STUDENT ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL PROMOTE ENGAGED LEARNING:

                       Activity 1    In this activity the students will listen to the story Counting On Frank.
                                          by Rod Clement.  The teacher will guide the students on a discussion
                                          about measuring using a ruler.  Defining and locating an inch on the ruler
                                          and modeling how to measure using a ruler.  The students will be asked
                                          to measure 3 items using their ruler, any item in the classroom will be
                                          accepted.  They will then record their data on a pre-printed data
                                          collection sheet.  Students will be asked to go to the web site below
                                          to practice measuring things with a ruler.  Students will go to this web                                           
                                          site to review measuring using inches and a ruler.  There are 5 levels of
                                          of difficulty on this web site from Easy Inches to Super Brain Inches.  

                                          Click here to go to the web site:                    http://www.funbrain.com/measure/index.html

                       Activity 2     Using the software program KidSpiration the students will create a Word
                                          Web for Things We Can Measure.  The students will break up into                                                  
                                          groups and  brainstorm ideas for all the things they measured previously
                                          and new things they have discovered you can measure.  The students will
                                          Print their Word Webs and present them to the class.

                      Activity 4      Using the pre-printed data collection sheets from Activity 1, the students
                                           will use the software program The Cruncher to create a spreadsheet
                                           to show what was measured and how long each item is when measured
                                           using inches.  The teacher will go over the tutorials with the class using
                                           the Projector and the Big Screen so students understand exactly what  a
                                           spreadsheet can do. 

                       Activity 5      In this activity students will review several pages from Counting On
                                            Frank   where Henry is estimating how many Franks can fit into his
                                            room or how many jellybeans can fit into the jar.  Review the meaning
                                            of estimation and describe it as a "good" or "educated" guess.  The
                                            students will then do the M&M's activity to reinforce the concept of
                                            estimating.  Explain that the students need to estimate how many
                                            M&M's  there are of each color.  Have them write down their
                                            estimation for each color on a pre-printed data collection sheet, next
                                            explain that they now need to count exactly how many M&M's there
                                            are of each color.  Have them record their data on the pre-printed
                                            data collection sheet.  Using the software program The Cruncher
                                            and the Projector and Big Screen enter all the data on a spreadsheet
                                            so the students can make comparisons.

                   Activity 6           In this activity students will try to estimate the amount of items in
                                             several containers.  Students will then record their estimations on
                                             the pre-printed data collection sheet.  Some examples of containers:

SHARE YOUR IDEAS:

       The students will share their knowledge about measuring and estimating when they show their
       Slide Show to the class.  They will be responsible for talking about each slide and answering
       questions about their Slide Shows from their classmates.  Each student will be responsible for
       adding graphics, text, and transitions to the slide show .  The rubric will be divided into four 
       sections; Theme, Graphics, Text, and Transitions.

       Grading Rubric for Student Created Slide Show KidPix Deluxe

             Theme

•      Presentation focused on the theme of measuring and estimating
•      Slide show has at least one slide on measurement
•      Slide show has at least one slide on estimating
•      Slide show has a title page and students name on a slide

•       Students will add at least 1 graphic per slide
•       Graphic will demonstrate concept of measurement or estimation
•       Graphic will be placed on the slide to view the entire picture
  

•        Text will be added to the slide to show meaning
  
•        Text will have correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation
•        Text will be in a readable font
  
•        Text will be in an appropriate size                  

•         Student will select a transition for each slide
•         Student may add sound to transition     
  

•   Theme    25 points
  
•   Graphic  25 points
•    Text      25 points
  
•   Transition  25 points
  

STUDENT AND TEACHER ROLES:
         
                 Teacher Role

•         Students to share knowledge gained.
•         To act as a facilitator and guide for the students.
•         Model all activities to be completed by the students
•         Provide a correlation between classroom and real life  experiences.
•        Use appropriate assessment to show student independence, creativity, and content

                 Student Role     

•         Actively participate in learning
•         Follow directions and stay on task
•         Apply previously learned skills to new material
•         Be cooperative in small group and large group settings
•         Use best manners during discussions and when speaking with classmates
•         Listen carefully and ask questions if necessary
  

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE PRINT RESOURCES STUDENTS MAY USE :

•           Childcraft
•           World Book Encyclopedia
•           Encarta

         
THE FOLLOWING BOOKS CONTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TOPIC:

               Books on Measurement and Estimation

•   Moira's Birthday                                                  by Robert Munsch
•   How Big Is A Foot?                                              by Rolf Myller
•   Measuring Penny                                                 by Loreen Leedy
•   Racing Around                                                      by Stuart Murphy
•   Numbers and Measuring                                     by  John M. Patten Jr.
•   Tell Me How Far It Is                                          by Shirley Willis
•   How Tall How Short How Far Away                    by David A. Peller
•   Mini-Math Measuring                                         by  David Kirkby
•   Is A Blue Whale The Biggest Thing?                 by  Robert Wells

FOR ADDITIONAL ONLINE INFORMATION AND MEDIA PERTAINING TO THIS UNIT, TEACHERS MAY WANT TO USE THE FOLLOWING INTERNET ARTICLES: