Title of Book: How Tall, How Short, How Faraway
Author: David A. Adler
Publisher: Holiday House
ISDN: 0-8234-1375-6
Grade Levels for Recommendation Use: 3rd – 5th grade
TEKS: 3rd grade
(9) Geometry and measurement. The student applies mathematical process
standards to select and use units to describe length, area, and time. The student is
expected to: (A) find the length of objects using concrete models for standard units
of length; (B) describe the inverse relationship between the size of the unit and the
number of units needed to equal the length of an object; (D) determine the length
of an object to the nearest marked unit using rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, or
measuring tapes;
Summary:
This book illustrates several measuring systems, for example the Egyptian system (cubits, palm,
and digits) , standard system (inches, yards, feet) and the metric system (centimeters, meter,
kilometer).
Student Objectives
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Demonstrate the basic measures of length, and height by measuring objects and recording
the information.
Materials
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Yarn
Ruler
Tape measure
Yardstick
Classroom objects to be measured (pencil, box, book, desk, etc.). Be sure the objects can
be easily measured with the tools you are using.
Procedures
1. Display a ruler, yardstick, tape measure. Explain to students that these tools are used to
measure.
The ruler, tape measure, and yardstick are tools for measuring the length, and height of an
object. Model how to use these tools by lining up the end of an object with the end of the
tool and identifying the nearest inch as the length, or height.
Set up two stations for students to practice measuring length, and height.
2.
o
o
Station 1- Place several classroom objects and the ruler, tape measure, and
yardstick at the station. First have students measure self and each object using the
Egyptian system. Next, have the students take turns using the measuring tools to
find the length, and height of each object using the standard system. They should
record their measurements in Chart 1 Measuring the Length and Height of
Objects. Then they can compare and discuss measurements.
Station 2- Place several classroom objects and the ruler, tape measure, and
yardstick at the station. First have students measure self and each object using the
Egyptian system. Next, have the students take turns using the measuring tools to
find the length, and height of each object using the standard system. They should
record their measurements in Chart 1 Measuring the Length and Height of
Objects. Then they can compare and discuss measurements.
The students' abilities will determine the amount of guidance and support needed at each station.
For very young students one or two objects to measure are sufficient.
As an extension students can go outside and find the length, and height of larger objects. They
can find the perimeter of the playground, the length of the slide, or draw large boxes with
sidewalk chalk and measure the length and height.
Assessment
Use the following three-point rubric to evaluate students' work during this lesson.
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3 points: Students produced complete charts, including all the requested information;
clearly demonstrated the ability to measure length, height.
2 points: Students produced adequate charts, including most of the requested
information; satisfactorily demonstrated the ability to measure length, height.
1 point: Students produced incomplete charts with little or none of the requested
information; did not demonstrate the ability to measure length, height.
Vocabulary
Ruler
Definition: A straight strip of material (plastic, wood, or metal) marked off in units and used for
measuring
Tape measure
Definition: A tape (metal or cloth) marked off in units and used for measuring
Yardstick
Definition: A measuring stick that is one yard, or three feet, or 36 inches long
References and Websites: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
has developed national standards to provide guidelines for teaching mathematics.
Discovery Education:
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/DM_beginning_measurement/#mat
Name:
Date:
“Measuring with Body Matches” Handout
The following is a list of body parts used for measurement - Egyptian Measurements
1. Cubits (tip of middle finger to elbow)
2. Span (distance from the tip of your thumb to the end of your little finger).
2. Palm (width of four fingers)
3. Digit (width of one finger)
Chart 1
Measuring Length and Height of Objects
Object
Self
Table
Desk
Egyptian
Length
Standard
Length