Pencil Measurement and Data Activity

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

3

Overview

This activity should be used as extra practice or an assessment after students have already been introduced to measuring with a ruler and line plots. In this learning activity, students will measure the lengths of pencils to the nearest half-inch and record the data on a line plot. 

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate
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 lengths to the nearest half-inch.

Students will record the measurement data on a line plot marked off to the nearest half-inch. 

Activity Details

Students will use the Pencil Measurement and Data Activity Sheet to measure the lengths of several pencils to the nearest half-inch. After measuring the pencils, the students will record the data on a line plot. This activity may be done independently or with partners. It can be used as an assessment or extra practice.   

Assessment Strategies

The activity sheet Pencil Measurement and Data Activity will be taken as an assessment. 

Background / Preparation

Each student will need a copy of the Pencil Measurement and Data Activity Sheet. 

Six-inch rulers may be printed on cardstock and cut out for the students to use. These should be laminated if they will be used in the future. 

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