Mic, Do you Measure up?
A lesson in Micrometer reading
Grade Level:
Grade 9+ also geared for older students with learning difficulties.
Time allotted: 2 to 3 hours for complete unit
Written By:
Michael Walther
Overview:
Subject Matter:
Math, Business & Industry
Learning Objectives:
Goal: after completion of this unit the student will have introductory skills needed to facilitate
reading a micrometer
Objective 1 Given verbal prompts the student will identify the main parts of a micrometer with
100 % accuracy.
Objective 2: Given a instruction on the divisions on the barrel of a micrometer the student will
complete a worksheet with 90% or better accuracy.
Objective 3: Given appropriate instruction (including classroom instruction and video
presentations) the student will complete a worksheet representing both barrel and thimble
reading with 90% or better accuracy.
Objective 4
Standards:
Media Components:
Video presentation and resources
Materials:
0-1 inch micrometers for each student (or share if necessary)
30 pieces for measurement under 1 inch in thickness or diameter (for exercise 3.0) . These
could include pieced of metal, drill bits, pieces of paper, hair from different people, etc.
Student work packet for student consisting of:
1.0 Micrometer Parts
.1.2 Barrel Measurement Exercise
2.0 Micrometer Reading Websites
.2.1 Micrometer Measurements Worksheet
.3.0 Micrometer Measurement Exercise
Access to internet
Prep For teachers:
See procedure below
I.
Introductory Activity
A. Introduce the idea that fractional measurements are not
adequate for many industrial applications such as automobile
parts, staples, molds for plastics, etc.
Introduce the idea that measurements are done in 1/1000
of an inch or smaller. This may require a review of decimals for
some students.
B. Direct the students attention to 1.0 micrometer parts pic and
put
http://www.ustudy.in/sites/default/files/images/micrometer.jpg in the white
board or wall. ( for purposes of this lesson emphasize
identification of Sleeve and Thimble)
C. Explain that there are two displays (scales) of measurement on
the micrometer, one on the Sleeve and one on the Thimble.
For the first activity we will work with the scale on the Sleeve.
D. Distribute “1.2 Measurements on Barrel of Micrometer”
a. Review & complete the first page together with the Students
b. Have the students complete the second page on their own
c. If appropriate mastery occurs continue to the next exercise, if
not review as necessary to insure mastery.
II.
Learning Activities
A. Watch the video with the students at:
http://www.wisc-online.com/Objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=MTL1902
B. Talk the student through the activities in a group discussion
format.
C. If the students have micrometers write decimal
measurements on the white board and have them set the
micrometers to the measurement.
D. Have the student complete worksheet “2.1 micrometer
measurements”
E. If students are not mastering the activity have them refer to
the following other videos.
http://mathonline.southseattle.edu/math110/worksheets/worksheet6auto.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=oiAutI0i5YE&feature=endscreen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_jygJkJujE&feature=fvwrel
III.
Culminating Activity
A. For the final activity set out 30 numbered pieces for
measurement in the room….(drill bits small pieces of metal,
various thicknesses of paper or firm cardboard, strands of
hair, fishing line, and other items of possible interest to the
students). Give the students copied of “3.0 Micrometer
measurement Exercise.” Depending on the availability of
micrometers have the students work individually or in
groups to complete the worksheet.
B. Depending on mastery level refer to videos, work
individually with students, or pair successful students with
those who struggle. Keep in mind the dollar, quarter,
penny method of reading a micrometer.
Cross-curricular Connections:
The use of micrometers utilizes skills from math. The skill is used in
industry as well as in science.
Community Extensions:
The micrometer is used in manufacturing, automotive shops, and
in activities from measuring fishing line to determining the thickness of
a piece of paper.
Lesson plan designer:
Michael Walther
28030 County Highway 34
Callaway, MN 56521
218 847 3429