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 unique laboratory tools to demonstrate measurement concepts in physical science. Younger students can learn about the Thermometer, Beaker and Flask and how they measure temperature and volume. Older students use the thermometer to find and compare degrees Celsius with degrees Fahrenheit. Use the Beaker and Flask to demonstrate properties of volume.

Supplies Used: Construction Paper, Black Marking Pen (Fine Tip), Colored Pencils, Crayons, Glue, Tape (Double-Sided), Water Colors

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

1. Die-cut the Thermometer and strip using red and white construction paper or cardstock.
   
2. Cut away the red bulb from the red Thermometer, layer and adhere to the white Thermometer.
   
3. Add degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius to the Thermometer with a thin black marking pen.
   
4. Slide the red strip through the completed Thermometer as desired (see Main Photo).
   
5. To create the standing Beaker and Flask, follow the folding instructions for die-cutting a standing shape.
   
6. Die-cut another Beaker and Flask from light blue construction or printer paper. Cut away as desired, layer and adhere to the standing shapes. Alternately, use colored pencils, crayons or water colors to show volume in the Beaker and Flask.
   
7. Add highlights on the Beaker and Flask with a thin black marking pen (see Main Photo).