Mathematical Emphasis
Investigation 1—Comparing Lengths
- Using direct and indirect comparison to compare lengths
- Using a non-standard unit to measure length
- Comparing the effects of measurement using units of different size
- Communicating the need for using a standard unit
Investigation 2—Paths and Geo-Logo
- Moving along a path
- Visualizing and then representing a path
- Determining path length by iterating and counting units
- Comparing lengths of paths by comparing the number of units used to measure each path
Tips For Helping At Home
Questions To Ask:
- What is the problem about? Tell me in your own words.
- What did you do in class to get started?
- Can you make a drawing (model) to help you figure out the problem?
- What have you already tried? What steps did you take?
- What do you need to do next?
- Can you show it in a different way?
- How did you get your answer?
Helping At Home
- Involve your child in measuring activities—hobbies like sewing or carpentry are a natural for this.
- Ask your child to compare the heights or lengths of different objects. For example, is there room for the kitchen table if we move it to the space along that wall?
- Have a measurement scavenger hunt at home. Ask your child to find things that are about as long as different objects. For example, find things that are about as long as one pencil, about as long as two pencils, and about as long as three pencils.
- Compare the heights of family members. Establish a place where heights can be marked off and compared.
- Talk about and compare paths you walk both inside and outside your home. For instance, you might find two paths from the front door to the kitchen. Encourage your child to describe each path as you walk it together. Ask you child to compare the two paths. Which path is longer?
Vocabulary Terms
- Geo-Logo
- Geometry computer program where students construct geometric paths, figures, and designs using geometry-oriented computer language
- Grid
- Pattern of evenly spaced vertical and horizontal lines
- Non-Standard Unit of Measure
- Object used to measure length (pencil, cube, shoe)
Mathematics Vocabulary Web site
Mathematics Strategy—Combining, Comparing, and Measuring
As children find and compare lengths, they draw on the knowledge of number. For instance, children use their understanding of number relationships when they measure an object using strips of one length then predict its measurement in strips of a related length, and when they discuss the various measurements that result when different units are used.
Children also apply their knowledge of number and of combining and comparing numbers as they solve problems about measurement. Measurement activities in this unit will build on number relationships and strategies for combining and comparing numbers. To solve these real problems, children will draw on their experience with combining and comparing numbers and will strengthen their own knowledge in number sense as well as measurement.
Source: Investigations in Number, Data, and Space: How Long? How Far? Dale Seymour, 1998. (Pages 41 and 42)
Mathematics Game—Find Ten
A math game similar to “Concentration” or “Memory” except that children try to make a ten. The object is to turn over and make combinations of cards that total 10.
Materials
Deck of Number Cards 0-10 (four of each number) plus four wild cards
Playing the Game
- Mix up cards and place four rows of five cards face down between players.
- Taking turns, players turn over two cards and try to make a ten. A wild card can be any number.
- If the sum is less than ten, the player turns over a third card.
- If the sum is more than ten, the cards are turned face down again and that player’s turn is over.
- If the sum equals ten, the player takes the cards, replaces them with new cards from the deck, and gets another turn.
- The game is over when no more tens can be made. The player with the most combinations that equal 10 wins.
- Scoring variation: The player with the most cards wins.
Get to Number Cards (for printing)