Contextual Learning Project Template
Project Title: Measure Up!
Theme: Students will apply geometric principles and formulas and solve for measurements of common
objects.
Brief Description: The instructor will identify two and three dimensional objects in the classroom and
that are emphasized in mathematical problems on the MCAS. These will include tabletops (rectangles),
boxes (rectangular prisms), wall clocks and paper plates (circles), cylinder containers and a right square
pyramid structure.
Given a measuring tape, the students will engage in measurement activities requiring them to solve for
area, perimeter, volume, diameter, circumference of designated objects. Estimation skills will be
incorporated by having the students round measurements to the nearest centimeter. They will also
round decimals to the nearest hundredth when computing volume and surface areas.
Materials/Resources:
- Worksheet for identifying parts of centimeter
- classroom objects to measure
- one tape measurer for each student
- tangible models of geometric shapes for student to explore and measure (right square pyramid,
cube, cylinder, etc.
- calculator
Pre-requisite knowledge:
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Students should be able to identify two and three dimensional objects. Ex: rectangle, circle, square,
triangle, rectangular prism, cylinder, sphere, cube, etc.
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Students should be able to identify common two and three dimensional objects in their
environment.
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Students should understand the concepts of: estimation, formulas, area, perimeter, volume,
circles, circumference, radius, diameter and how they relate to different geometric shapes.
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Students should understand “estimation” and how the procedure is used with a measuring tape.
Technical Support:
Each student needs a calculator. Related math software programs can be utilized to reinforce skills, if
Contextual Learning Project Template
available.
Modifications or extensions for particular student populations?
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Special needs students may require more one on one and instruction. Directions may need to be
broken down into smaller steps to assist with comprehension.
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Students can work in pairs and triads to assist and support each other.
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ESL students may need assistance with comprehending the written directions.
Which subject areas does the project focus on?
ELA
Math
Science
Key Questions:
What is the difference between a two and three dimensional object?
What is the relationship between the diameter and the radius of a circle?
What is the difference between volume and surface area?
What is the difference between the lateral and surface areas of an object?
What Grade Level?
The participating students are 10th, 11th and 12th graders. The activity is appropriate for grades 6-12.
Connections: How or why was this topic identified? Why is it meaningful?
Measurement is one of the math strands that is emphasized on the MCAS exam. It is important for the
students to be skillful in this area and recognize its importance and usefulness and practicality in every
day life.
Contextual Learning Project Template
Background Research: What resources were used to find background information for this project?
As a high school math teacher for the Boston Public Schools, I used my own knowledge, expertise and
experience with the subject matter to develop this project. I was able to utilize my own collection of
resources relating to the subject matter in the project (3 dimensional model figures, measuring tapes,
etc. ).
The classroom itself was resourceful since there were many common geometric figures present in the
environment.
Outcomes: What was the outcome? How was it shared or applied in the community?
The project was very successful . The students did an outstanding job using their prior knowledge to
engage in the activities that were presented to them on their worksheets . Overall, they were able to
measure the dimensions of objects in centimeters and then engage in problem solving using the
appropriate geometric formulas.
The students demonstrated good teamwork by working together in pairs/ triads and assisted each
other with the measuring and calculations. One of the students who aspires to become a teacher,
guided her triad patiently through the activities.
It was obvious that most of the students had limited experience using a measuring tape. A few of the
students made the mistake of measuring in inches as opposed to using the centimeter side of the
tape/ruler. Their calculations were obviously wrong and they had to start the activity over. However,
using the appropriate measure was a valuable lesson for them to learn.
Throughout the project I made it a point to make the students aware of when they will actually need to
have measuring skills in their own lives (Ex: taking measurements for purchasing paint and carpet)
Another major outcome for the students was becoming more familiar with the MCAS Formula
Reference Sheet in terms of the categories of formulas and how to locate the formulas. The students
also became more knowledgeable about entering data into the calculator appropriately to obtain
accurate answers.
MA State Standards Frameworks/Skills Identified:
7.G4
Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measure, area, surface area, and
volume.
4.
Know the formulas for the area and circumference of a circle and solve problems; give an
informal derivation of the relationship between the circumference and area of a circle.
Contextual Learning Project Template
Geometry 6.G
Quantities N-Q
Reason quantitatively and use units to solve problems.

MA.3.a.Describe the effects of approximate error in measurement and rounding on
measurements and on computed values from measurements. Identify significant figures in
recorded measures and computed values based on the context given and the precision of the
tools used to measure.
Skills identified: measuring, rounding off decimal numbers, fraction/decimal conversions,
applying geometric formulas
Instructional Techniques:
It’s very important to have models at hand of the items that are being measured (circular, square,
rectangular, two and three dimensional objects). The teacher should ask for volunteers to demonstrate
or explain related math concepts such as area, diameter and radius by using these objects.
Students should practice measuring pre-cut strips of paper before engaging in the activity.
Other techniques: pre-teach the vocabulary, create related word banks to post on the wall, clarify
directions, and allow extra time for math challenged students.
Assessment Techniques:
- Students will be assessed on the accuracy of their recorded measurements when using a measuring
tape.
- Students will be assessed on selecting and applying appropriate geometric formulas to engage in
problem solving
- Students will be assessed on the accuracy of estimations and rounding off of numbers.
- Informal observations (team work, following directions, staying on task)
Contextual Learning Project Template