Math: Measurement

Instructional programs from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 5 should enable all students to understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems and processes of measurement.

• In Pre-Kindergarten through grade 2, all students should recognize the attributes of length, volume, weight, area and time.
• In Pre-Kindergarten through grade 2, all students should select an appropriate unit and tool for the attribute being measured.
• In grades 3-5, all students should understand the need for measuring with standard units and become familiar with standard units in the customary and metric systems.

Standards are listed with permission from Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, copyright 2000 by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). NCTM does not endorse the content or validity of these alignments.

Source: Principles and Standards for School Mathematics

Create a unique Gallon Guy to demonstrate standard units for measuring volume. Younger students can learn the attributes of each unit and find common household items that demonstrate understanding of volume. Older students can convert from smaller to larger units of volume or vice versa to determine equivalent relationships. Students can apply what they have learned by conducting unit analysis to find the amount of liquid in a given volume. Have students create their own Gallon Guy or Gal to reinforce concepts of measurement.

Supplies Used: Construction Paper, Crayons, Glue, Pencils (Colored), Pens (Colored), Scissors, Tape

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Die-cut one LG Square 10cm for each student using cardstock or construction paper. This will be the body of the gallon guy.
2. Die-cut one LG Square 1/4B for each student using contrasting paper. These four quarts will be the arms and legs of the gallon guy. Adhere the arms and legs to the body with glue or tape (see Main Photo).
3. Die-cut one LG Square 1/8A for each student using contrasting paper. These eight pints will be the hands and feet of the gallon guy. Attach the hands and feet to the arms and legs.
4. Again, die-cut one LG Square 1/8A for each student using contrasting paper. Cut the 1/8A Square in half for the cups. These sixteen cups will be the fingers and toes of the gallon guy. Attach the fingers and toes to the hands and feet of the gallon guy (see Main Photo).
5. Die-cut one Circle 3" for each student using contrasting paper. Attach the Circle to the Square for the head of the figure. Students may add a face to the Circle with crayons, colored pens or pencils.
6. Each student will print the correct volume measurement on each part of the gallon figure. These may be suspended in the classroom or kept as reference for the student.