In-Class Measurement Project!

Introduction

Welcome! For this project, we will dive into the world of measurement. You and your group will work together to create a presentation with estimates, measurements and conversions.

Think about these questions as you work through this activity:

  1. How do different tools help us measure accurately?
  2. How can we estimate a measurement?
  3. How do we convert between units?

By the end of this activity, you will be able to:

  1. Identify different units of length.
  2. Convert measurements within the same systems.
  3. Estimate the length of objects and distances.
  4. Choose the best measurement unit for different objects.
  5. Create a clear presentation of your measurements and conversions.
Task

For this In-Class Measurement Project, you will work in a group of three to pick objects and distances in the classroom, measure them, and share your discoveries with the rest of your classmates. Together, create a visual aid (such as a poster, PowerPoint, or chart on paper), and present it to the class. During your presentation, you should explain your process and your thinking during this assignment.

Your presentation should inform your classmates about:

  • What you measured
  • How you estimated
  • How you measured
  • How you converted units
  • What your group learned from this project
Process

Each person in your group will have an important role:

  1. Estimator: Will estimate the length of objects and distances in the classroom before they are measured.
  2. Measurer: Will measure the picked objects and distances using different tools like rulers or measuring tapes. 
  3. Converter: Will convert the measurements into different units (for example, inches to feet or centimeters to meters).

Read the following instructions carefully and follow the steps in order to complete your assignment.

  1. As a group, pick five objects or distances in the classroom that you want to measure. Examples: a table, the whiteboard, the door.
  2. Using your knowledge of measurements, the estimator will make a smart guess before measuring. The estimator should write down the length or distance using appropriate units like inches, feet, meters or centimeters.
  3. Using a ruler, measuring tape or yardstick, the Measurer will measure each object or distance carefully. Make sure to start at zero, keep your tool straight, and record the measurement accurately.
  4. The Converter in your group will convert the measurements into a different unit. For example, turn your measurements from inches to feet, or centimeters to meters.
  5. As a group, discuss how close the estimates were, which units were the most appropriate for each object, and what you learned from this project.
  6. Together, create your visual aid. Make sure to include the objects, the estimates, the measurements, conversions, and explanations.
  7. Finally, prepare the oral presentation. Each person will present the part that matches their role, and together you will explain what you have learned from doing this assignment.

To help with the conversions, use the following websites:

Evaluation

Your group project will be graded using the following rubric:

Criteria 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point
Teamwork and Roles Group worked together respectfully, stayed on task, and each person completed their role. Group worked well most of the time, and roles were mostly completed. Group had some trouble working together, and roles were partly completed.

Group had difficulty working together, and roles were not completed.
Measurement Work

All 5 objects were carefully estimated, measured and converted with accuracy.

Most objects were completed, and the conversions were mostly accurate.

Some objects were missing or conversions were incorrect.

Many measurements missing or incorrect.
Visual Aid

Neat, organized and colorful visual aid. Includes all estimates, measurements, conversions, and explanations.

Visual aid is mostly neat and organized. Most components are included.

Visual aid is messy or hard to understand in some parts. Some components are missing.

Visual aid is very messy and hard to understand. Many components missing.
Oral Presentation

All group members spoke clearly, explained their role, and included all the information required.

Most of the presentation was clear, and most of the information is included.

Some speaking was unclear, and some information is missing.

Presentation is very unclear or incomplete.

 

 

 

Conclusion

You are now ready to explore measurement with your group! During this assignment, you will estimate, measure, and convert the lengths of objects or distances in our classroom. You will use math tools, work as a team, and have clear communication to create a presentation that shows your group's discoveries. 

For extra practice, try these two measurement and conversion worksheets: