Learning Activity

Length and Measurement Lab

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

4

Overview

The Length and Measurement Lab will provide students with hands-on experience in measuring the length and mass of objects using the Metric System. During this lab, students will be given a set of manipulatives (colored rods) and asked to find the length in centimeters. Then, they will convert that measurement into millimeters. The final task will require students to use a balance to record the mass in grams of each colored rod.

This learning activity was created as a result of the Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) Resource Development Project, in partnership with Dothan City Schools.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

MA19.4.21

Select and use an appropriate unit of measurement for a given attribute (length, mass, liquid volume, time) within one system of units: metric - km, m, cm; kg, g, l, ml; customary - lb, oz; time - hr, min, sec.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.4.21

Vocabulary

  • Appropriate unit of measure
  • Metric
  • Customary
  • Equivalent
  • Conversion table
  • Mass
  • Liquid volume
  • Kilometer
  • Meter
  • Centimeter
  • Kilogram
  • Gram
  • liter
  • Milliliter
  • Ounce
  • Pound
  • Hour
  • Minute
  • Two-column table

Knowledge

Students know:
  • units of measures for given attributes vary in size and are related by multiplicative comparison.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Select and use appropriate units of measure for a given attribute.
  • Convert larger units of measure to smaller units of measure within the same measurement system.
  • Record measurement equivalents in a two-column table.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • There is an appropriate unit of customary measurement and metric measurement for a given attribute.
  • Multiplicative relationships exist between customary units of length, mass, liquid volume, and time.
  • Multiplicative relationships exist between metric units of length, mass, liquid volume.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

MA19.4.21a

Within one system of units, express measurements of a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Record measurement equivalents in a two-column table.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • Students will measure the length and mass of objects using the metric system and record the data in a table.
  • Students will use their understanding of the metric system to convert centimeters into millimeters.

Activity Details

Students will work through the Length and Measurement Lab Slideshow throughout the course of the activity.

Engagement/Background:

  1. The teacher will use slides 2-6 to introduce length and mass and how to read a ruler in centimeters and read a digital balance. 

Independent Work:

  1. Students will be provided with 7 colored rods, a ruler, and a digital balance (1 per group, depending on how many balances).
  2. They will use the ruler to measure each colored rod and record the length in centimeters on the data table. Students will convert this measurement into millimeters and record it on the same table. The data table can be printed from the slideshow and copied for each student, or the teacher can share the slideshow with students, and they can type their responses on the slide. Students will use the balance to determine the mass of each colored rod and record the result on the same data table.
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

The students will be assessed by completing the length and mass problems on slides 8-10 of the Length and Measurement Lab Slideshow. The students can answer the questions on paper or the teacher can share the slideshow with the students, and students can type their responses on the slide.

Acceleration

Students can use the following online activity to enhance their skills in converting measurements in the metric system. 

https://mrnussbaum.com/horrendous-soup-online-game

Intervention

Students struggling to correctly use the measuring tools will be put into a teacher-led small group.

Approximate Duration

Total Duration

16 to 30 Minutes

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

Students should have a basic understanding of a ruler and how they are used to measure the length of objects. The teacher should provide background knowledge on the scientific base unit used to report length and mass (meters and grams). The instructor can use slide 4 to explain mass and how to use a balance to measure the mass of an object.

Materials and Resources

Materials and Resources

Digital Materials:

Materials needed to complete lab:

Digital Tools / Resources

Length and Measurement Lab Slideshow
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1F7VvrdPsRpaQAE45FCRjEOxB977rewhUqDzJ8eP…
Metric Conversion Online Game
https://mrnussbaum.com/horrendous-soup-online-game

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

aubriemc
ALSDE LOGO

This site may contain links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness by us. WE DO NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THIS SITE.
Alabama Learning Exchange © 2002-2023 by Alabama State Department of Education is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Design by Adaptive Theme