Conversions – How to Convert Anything to Anything… Really! Joy Wolfe – Math Coach jwolfe@rogers.k12.ar.us Robin Burns 5th Grade Teacher rburns@grimes.k12.ar.us

Before Teaching Conversions Give students opportunities to explore units of measure contextually. Use stories and examples to illustrate conversions. Stress with each example how converting from smaller to larger units is division. (36 inches divided up into groups of 12 inches each means 36 inches = 3 yards) Do the same for the relationship between multiplication and converting larger to smaller units. (2 pints of milk multiplied by 2 cups in each pint gives you: 2 pints = 4 cups)

How many gallons are in 6 half gallons? In this problem, you’re converting half gallons to gallons. 6 half gallons / 2 in each gallon = 3 gallons. To convert smaller to larger units you divide.

How many fingers are on 8 hands? In this problem, you’re converting hands to fingers. 8 hands X 5 fingers = 40 fingers To convert larger to smaller units you multiply.

Teach Them a Strategy That Works for Converting Any Type of Units

To convert from larger to smaller Remember laughing smelly mouse. To convert from smaller to larger units you divide. Remember slow lazy dog. To convert from larger to smaller units you multiply. Remember laughing smelly mouse.

Set up the equation the same way every time. (Understand & Plan) How many inches in 3 ft? 3 ft = _____ in

Drop the amount you know. (Solve) How many inches in 3 ft? 3 ft = _____ in 3

Write the Operation. (Solve) How many inches in 3 ft? 3 ft = _____ in 3 X

Insert the Amount of Smaller Units in Each Larger Unit. (Solve) How many inches in 3 ft? 3 ft = _____ in 3 X 12

Solve and Label. How many inches in 3 ft? 3 ft = _____ in 3 X 12 = 36 in

See if Your Answer is Reasonable and is Labeled. (Check) 3 ft = 36 in 12 in 12 in 12 in

Now You Try. Plan How many hours are in 240 minutes? 240 minutes = ______ hours

Drop the Number You Know. How many hours are in 240 minutes? 240 minutes = ______ hours 240

Write the Operation How many hours are in 240 minutes? 240 minutes = ______ hours 240 /

Write the Number of Smaller Units in Each Larger Unit. How many hours are in 240 minutes? 240 minutes = ______ hours 240 / 60

Write and Label Your Answer How many hours are in 240 minutes? 240 minutes = ______ hours 240 / 60 = 4 hours

Check to be Sure it’s Reasonable. 360 minutes = 4 hours. 60 minutes 60 minutes 60 minutes 60 minutes

Now You Try 2 gallons is equal to how many quarts?

Now You Try How many yards are equal to 9 feet?

Now You Try If Jose has five weeks to complete a project, how many days does he have to work?

Now You Try Tanner has 28 quarters, but his pockets are full! How many dollars can he trade for?

Web Resources Online conversion calculators http://www.calculateme.com/index.htm Practice with conversions http://www.ixl.com/math/grade/third/ PDF lesson with practice sheet http://www.counselorresources.com/pdf/CapacityConverters_fa.pdf

Web Resources Video tutorials with practice http://www.linkslearning.org/Kids/1_Math/2_Illustrated_Lessons/index.html Contextual practice with metric measurement http://www.teachingmeasures.co.uk/menu.html Brainpop Jr Inches and Feet www.brainpopjr.com username: rogersk12arus, password: bpop (See printed quizzes.)

Web Resources DEstreaming (formerly unitedstreaming) k-2 measurement video segments http://students.discoveryeducation.com/genericStudentIndex.cfm?cdPasscode=TDAF1-86BA DEstreaming (formerly unitedstreaming) 3-5 measurement video segments http://students.discoveryeducation.com/genericStudentIndex.cfm?cdPasscode=TDAF7-D3C8