Block Pounds

Students explore the use of variables as they solve for the weights of objects using information presented in pictures. They model situations that involve adding and subtracting whole numbers, using objects, pictures, and symbols.

How Big is Your Heart?

This lesson emphasizes the connections between science and mathematics by using a performance, or authentic, assessment format. Students have the opportunity to explore applications involving their own heart. This lesson was adapted from the article, "Ideas: The Beat of Your Heart," by  Lisa M. Passarello and Francis (Skip) Fennell, which appeared in The Arithmetic Teacher Vol.39, No.6 (February, 1992) pp. 32-39.

Keeping in Balance

In this lesson for grades 1‑2, students balance pairs of like and unlike objects by changing distance from the fulcrum. Students use a crayon (as the fulcrum) and a ruler to represent the balance.

How Many Steps?

In this lesson, students participate in activities to develop concepts of measurement and statistics. Students are asked to measure distances using non-standard units and to record their measurement in a bar graph. Then they are asked to make comparisons using the bar graph.

How Big Is a Foot?

In this lesson, students read the book How Big Is a Foot?, by Rolf Myller. They then create non-standard units (using their own footprints) and use them to make "beds." As a result, students explore the need for a standard unit of measure.

Comparing Heights to Explore Linear Measurement

Students often view linear measurement as a procedure in which a number is simply read off a ruler.  The goal of this lesson is to have students gain experience in linear measurement by using a variety of measuring instruments to measure the heights of classmates, to discover the error inherent in measurement, and to search for patterns in data that are represented on a table. In this lesson, students compare results of measuring the same height using different methods, and discuss measurement error.   They measure the heights of classmates and the heights of older students in their school, and construct a table of height and age data.  The lesson is also designed to serve as a springboard for a second lesson in which students relate measurement to algebra and data analysis concepts.
 

Analyzing Changes in Height as a Function of Age

A key goal for instruction on algebra at the elementary level is to analyze change, and to understand how change in one variable can relate to change in a second variable. The goal of this lesson is for students to explore how changes in students’ ages relate to changes in their heights. 

My Pet

In this lesson, students develop and use spatial relationships and spatial memory by creating a map of a pet. The students use visual and spatial skills, measure with nonstandard units, and describe "trips" around their pet using directional and positional words.

Measuring Me

Students use yarn to measure lengths such as arm span and height. This gives the students practice measuring with nonstandard units. Pairs of students also compare their height and arm spans. They practice problem-solving and reasoning skills by discussing why there are similarities and differences between the lengths of yarn that represent arm spans and height.