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Measurement

Measurement

TEKS Objective

The student is expected to collect and record data by observing and measuring, using the metric system, and using descriptive words and numerals such as labeled drawings, writing, and concept maps.

Essential Understanding

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

Science Background

Origin of the Metric System: US Metric Association - Helpful, detailed explanation of the history and adoption of the metric system as an internationally agreed set of units for measurement

Origin of the Metric System
US Metric Association, lamar.colostate.edu

SI (International Systems of Units) Measurement Reference Chart: Holt, Rinehart and Winston (PDF) - Identifies basic units of the metric system, including prefixes used to define smaller and larger quantities. Includes a conversion table for SI to English (or standard) units of measurement.

SI (International Systems of Units) Measurement Reference Chart
Holt, Rinehart and Winston (PDF), http.go.hrw.com

Signature Lesson

Estimation and Measurement: Science NetLink (website) - Students collect and record data by measuring, and then are challenged to describe why it is important to have standardized units of measurement.

Estimation and Measurement
Science NetLink (website), www.sciencenetlinks.com

Metric Mania: The Science Spot (website) - This series of metric lessons includes labs on length, mass, volume, density, temperature and conversions, enabling students to use metric tools and equipment and learn how to use the metric system of measurements.

Metric Mania
The Science Spot (website), www.sciencespot.net

Supporting Lessons

Metric Madness: BioEd Online (website) - Students rotate through stations or centers in groups, using different tools and applying the skills of estimation and metric measurement in an engaging format. This lesson can be adjusted to meet the measurement objectives of the grade level.

Metric Madness
BioEd Online, www.bioedonline.org

Elaboration Lessons and Extensions

Metric Concentration: Worksheets PLUS (website) - Students learn metric prefixes, units and symbols while calculating and recording length, areas, radius, perimeters, etc.

Metric Concentration
Worksheets PLUS (website), www.worksheetsplus.com

Assessment Ideas

Offer students metric tools of measurement and ask which they would choose to measure the length of the chalkboard, a chair, a pencil, the wall, etc. Even if students are not able to measure accurately with these tools, the exercise will help them to understand that some measuring tools will be more useful than others, depending on the object being measured.

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. Sweeney, Joan (ISBN-13: 978-0440417569)

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

Related Science TEKS

(4.2A) Plan and Implement Descriptive Investigation  
The student is expected to plan and implement descriptive investigations, including asking well-defined questions, making inferences, and selecting and using appropriate equipment or technology to answer his/her questions.

(4.2B) Collect Data
The student is expected to collect and record data by observing and measuring, using the metric system, and using descriptive words and numerals such as labeled drawings, writing, and concept maps.

(4.2C) Graphs, Tables, Charts    
The student is expected to construct simple tables, charts, bar graphs, and maps using tools and current technology to organize, examine, and evaluate data.

(4.2D) Analyze Evidence and Explain  
The student is expected to analyze data and interpret patterns to construct reasonable explanations from data that can be observed and measured.

(4.2E) Value of Repeated Experiments    
The student is expected to perform repeated investigations to increase the reliability of results.

(4.2F) Communicate Conclusions    
The student is expected to communicate valid, oral, and written results supported by data.

(4.3A) Analyze, Evaluate and Critique Explanations   
The student is expected to in all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student.

(4.3C) Develop a Model    
The student is expected to represent the natural world using models such as rivers, stream tables, or fossils and identify their limitations, including accuracy and size.

(4.4) Science Tools     
The student knows how to use a variety of tools, materials, equipment, and models to conduct science inquiry.

(4.4A) Tools for Collecting and Analyzing Information  
The student is expected to collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including calculators, microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, mirrors, spring scales, pan balances, triple beam balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, hot plates, meter sticks, compasses, magnets, collecting nets, and notebooks; timing devices, including clocks and stopwatches; and materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.

(4.4B) Safety Equipment  
The student is expected to use safety equipment as appropriate, including safety goggles and gloves.

Related Math TEKS

4.11A  The student is expected to estimate and use measurement tools to determine length (including perimeter), area, capacity and weight/mass using standard units SI (metric) and customary.

4.11B   The student is expected to perform simple conversions between different units of length, between different units of capacity, and between different units of weight within the customary measurement system.

4.11C   The student is expected to use concrete models of standard cubic units to measure volume.

4.11D  The student is expected to estimate volume in cubic units.

4.11E   The student is expected to explain the difference between weight and mass.

4.12A  The student is expected to use a thermometer to measure temperature and changes in temperature.

4.12B   The student is expected to use tools such as a clock with gears or a stopwatch to solve problems involving elapsed time.

Additional Resources

Grade Measurement Worksheets, Lessons, and Printables: edHelper.com (website) - Links to many activities and student pages that teach measuring skills, including work with the metric system. Requires (free) teacher registration.

4th Grade Measurement Worksheets, Lessons, and Printables
edHelper.com (website), www.edhelper.com

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