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Measurement

Measurement

TEKS Objective

The student is expected to collect data by observing and measuring using the metric system and recognize differences between observed and measured data.

Essential Understanding

The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and outdoor investigations.

Science Background

Origin of the Metric System: US Metric Association (website) – This site is an explanation of the Metric System and its history. The metric system is an internationally agreed set of units for measurement.

Origin of the Metric System
US Metric Association, lamar.colostate.edu/~hillger/usma.html

SI (The International Systems of Units) Measurement Reference Chart: Think Central (PDF) - This chart provides the basic units used in the metric system including the prefixes used to define smaller and larger quantities. A conversion table for SI to English (or standard) measurement is also provided.

SI (The International Systems of Units) Measurement Reference Chart
Think Central, go.hrw.com

Signature Lesson

Estimation and Measurement: Science NetLinks (website) – In this lesson, students will first measure with the idea of units in mind and then be challenged to consider why it is important to have standardized units of measurement.

Estimation and Measurement
Science NetLinks, www.sciencenetlinks.com

Metric Mania: The Science Spot (website) – These series of lessons offers the student the opportunity of using metric tools and equipment to learn how to use the metric system.

Metric Mania
The Science Spot, www.sciencespot.net

Supporting Lessons

Metric Madness: K8Science (PDF) - This lesson enables students to use tools and apply the skills of estimation and metric measurement in an engaging format. Students rotate through stations or centers in groups. This lesson may be adjusted depending on measurement objectives of the grade level.

Metric Madness
K8Science, www.k8science.org

Elaboration Lessons and Extensions

Metric Concentration: WorksheetsPlus (website) – This lesson teaches the student to understand prefixes, units, and symbols in the metric system as well as calculate and record length, areas, radius, perimeters, etc.

Metric Concentration
WorksheetsPlus, www.worksheetsplus.com

Assessment Ideas

You can offer students metric units of measurement and ask them to consider which tools they would choose for measuring the length of the chalkboard, a chair, a pencil, the wall, etc. Students do not need to be able to measure with these tools accurately, but this exercise will help students begin to see that different measuring tools are more efficient and easier to use with different objects.

Literature Connections

How Big is the Lion? Accorsi, William (ISBN-13: 978-0761155409)

Measuring Penny, Leedy, Loreen (ISBN-13: 978-0805065725)

How Big is a Foot? Myller, Rolf (ISBN-13: 978-0440404958)

Me and the Measure of Things (ISBN-13: 978-0440417569)

Length, Pluckrose, Henry (ISBN-13: 978-0516454535)

Related Science TEKS

(3.1A) Science Safety
The student is expected to demonstrate safe practices as described in the Texas Safety Standards during classroom and outdoor investigations, including observing a schoolyard habitat.

(3.1B) Recycling/Disposal of Science Materials
The student is expected to make informed choices in the use and conservation of natural resources by recycling or reusing materials such as paper, aluminum cans, and plastics.

(3.2A) Plan and Implement Descriptive Investigation
The student is expected to plan and implement descriptive investigations, including asking and answering questions, making inferences, and selecting and using equipment or technology needed, to solve a specific problem in the natural world.

(3.2B) Collect Data
The student is expected to collect data by observing and measuring using the metric system and recognize differences between observed and measured data.

(3.2C) Graphs, Tables, Charts
The student is expected to construct maps, graphic organizers, simple tables, charts, and bar graphs using tools and current technology to organize, examine, and evaluate measured data.

(3.2D) Analyze Evidence and Explain
The student is expected to analyze and interpret patterns in data to construct reasonable explanations based on evidence from investigations.

(3.2E) Value of Repeated Experiments
The student is expected to demonstrate that repeated investigations may increase the reliability of results.

(3.2F) Communicate Conclusions
The student is expected to communicate valid conclusions supported by data in writing, by drawing pictures, and through verbal discussion.

(3.4A) Tools for Collecting and Analyzing Information
The student is expected to collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, wind vanes, rain gauges, pan balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, spring scales, hot plates, meter sticks, compasses, magnets, collecting nets, notebooks, sound recorders, and Sun, Earth, and Moon system models; timing devices, including clocks and stopwatches; and materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.

(3.4B) Safety Equipment
The student is expected to use safety equipment as appropriate, including safety goggles and gloves.

Related Math TEKS

3.13A  The student is expected to collect, organize, record, and display data in pictographs and bar graphs where each picture or cell might represent more than one piece of data.

3.13B  The student is expected to interpret information from pictographs and bar graphs.

Additional Resources

3rd Grade Measurement Worksheets, Lessons, and Printables: edHelper.com (website) – This website offers many ideas, lessons, activities, and other resources about measuring within the metric system. Some of the activities require for the teacher to register. Registration is free.

3rd Grade Measurement Worksheets, Lessons, and Printables
edHelper.com

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