Mathematical Emphasis
Investigation 1—Measuring with Paces and Steps

• Using a non-standard unit to measure a distance
• Estimating length in “paces”
• Comparing the effects of measurement using units of different size
• Analyzing data by describing the shape and pattern

Investigation 2—From Paces to Feet

• Understanding the rationale for a standard measure
• Developing competence at measuring with inches, feet, and yards
• Developing familiarity with centimeters and meters
• Representing and describing data that involve measurement

Supplemental Unit on Perimeter and Area

• Understanding the difference between perimeter and area
• Measuring the area and perimeter of a shape made of rectangular figures

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?
• Can you solve a simpler version of the problem?
• What have you already tried? What steps did you take?
• Does your answer make sense?
• How do you know your answer is correct?
• Did you show all of your work?

Activities At Home

• The more experiences with measurement that children get at school and at home, the better. Encourage your child to estimate and measure distances. Ask questions like:
  • How far is it across our kitchen table—can we really reach that far?
  • How many children can sit comfortably on our couch? How many adults?
  • Will that extra bookcase really fit in your bedroom?
• Involve your child in your own measurement activities. Hobbies like sewing and carpentry are a natural for this.
• Work together on measurement activities your child brings home.

Vocabulary Terms

Area

The size of a surface measured in square units

Line Plot

Organizes numerical data on a horizontal axis with values, data is shown with X’s above the values

Metric Measurement

Base ten measurement system; students will be using rulers and meter sticks and measuring in centimeters and meters in this unit

Paces

The size of a natural step

Perimeter

The distance around the outside edge of a figure

Standard Measurement

The measurement system used in the United States; students will be using rulers and yardsticks and measuring in inches, feet and yards in this unit

Mathematics Vocabulary Web site

Mathematics Strategy—Line Plots

An important part of statistics is organizing and representing data so information is easy to see and describe.

A line plot is one quick way to organize numerical data. A line plot is a horizontal axis with values. The value of data are placed along the axis using X’s. Each value is represented with an X.

A line plot clearly shows how the data are distributed over the range. The shape of the data allows students to describe and discuss the information.

Source: Investigations in Number, Data, and Space: From Paces to Feet. Dale Seymour, 1998, Page 8.

Mathematics Game—Metric Scavenger Hunt

Materials

Scavenger Hunt Recording Sheet

Playing the Game

1. In this scavenger hunt, children are looking for items that are 1 centimeter and 1 meter in length.



2. The Recording Sheet has space to draw a one centimeter measure. For a meter stick, children can use the meter paper strip made at school or create a new measuring tool with materials at home.



3. In a given length of time, have your child find as many things at home that fit in the two categories.



4. Write the names of the items on the Recording Sheet.

Meter suggestion: If your child does not have the meter strip from school, use a piece of string measured with the metric side of a ruler. A meter equals 100 centimeters.

Get to Scavenger Hunt Recording Sheet (for printing)