Learning Activity

Measuring to the Nearest Half and Fourth Inch

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

Overview

In this learning activity, students will be able to measure common classroom items to practice measuring to the nearest 1/2 and 1/4 inches. Students will use this skill in future activities to collect data to the nearest 1/2 and 1/4 inch for line plots. This activity is an introductory activity to measurement and data that allows students to practice a needed skill to master the standard.

Content Standards

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.

Unpacked Content

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.

Interdisciplinary Connections

Phase

Before/Engage

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to measure lengths with rulers marked with halves and fourths.

Activity Details

1. The teacher will give each group of students a bag with common classroom items that measure less than 6 inches--expo marker, sticky note, cap eraser, paper clip, colored tile, and an index card. Each set of items should be the exact same for each group to ensure the same measurements.

2. The teacher will also give each student a 6-inch ruler. These rulers are easy to use and it helps that every student in the class has the same ruler.

3. The teacher will measure one or two items with the class to model how to properly measure to the nearest 1/2 and 1/4 inches.

4. The students will then work with their groups to measure the remaining items and record their findings in their notebooks. Each item should be measured to the nearest 1/2 and 1/4 inches.

5. After the students are finished measuring their items, allow them to share their answers with the class.

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will observe the students correctly measuring their items.

Acceleration and Intervention

Variation Tips

A review of measuring with a ruler might be needed prior to this activity for struggling students.

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

The students should be grouped in groups of 5 or fewer students.

Students will need their notebooks.

The teacher will need to gather the classroom items and create a bag for each group of students.

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

Digital Tools / Resources

https://www.printablerulers.net/preview/Ruler_6-inch_by_4

Approved Date

2022-06-23

Author

Owner (Author)

scarver17

Design by Adaptive Theme

Learning Resource Type