Toy Car Measurement Data and Line Plot

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

3

Overview

In this learning activity, students will use a quality task to measure the lengths of toy cars to the nearest quarter of an inch and record their data in a chart. The class will use this data to create a line plot of the lengths of the toy cars. 

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 3

MA19.3.17

Measure lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch to generate data and create a line plot marked off in appropriate units to display the data.

UP:MA19.3.17

Vocabulary

  • Halves
  • Fourths
  • Data
  • Line plot
  • Unit
  • Quarter inch
  • Horizontal
  • Partition

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Nearest half and nearest quarter inch on a ruler.
  • A ruler is a type of number line and shows fraction of 1/2 and 1/4.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Measure objects to the nearest half and fourth of an inch.
  • Create a line plot to display the data of the objects measured.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • A line plot is a graph that displays a distribution of data values, including whole numbers, halves and quarters, such that each data value is marked above a horizontal line with an X or dot.
  • A ruler is a type of number line partitioned equally and shows halves and fourths.

Learning Objectives

Students will measure toy cars to the nearest fourth of an inch.

Students will create a line plot marked off in appropriate units to display the measurement data. 

Activity Details

The teacher will display the first slide of the Toy Car Measurement Data and Line Plot Slides and ask the question, "What are you wondering?" "What do you think this problem is about?"

The teacher will continue through the slides. The class will measure several toy cars to the nearest fourth of an inch and record the data in a chart. The last slide has a line plot for the class to record the measurement data. 

 

Assessment Strategies

This activity is completed whole-group. Therefore, teacher observation during the lesson and student notebook data will be used as an informal assessment. 

Variation Tips

The teacher may extend this activity by asking questions about the line plot. For example, "Which toy car is the longest? Were there any cars of the same length?"

Background / Preparation

This entire activity is guided using the slides. The teacher should preview the Toy Car Measurement Data and Line Plot Slides.

Students will need their notebooks. 

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