1. Introduction to Measurement

2. 2 Engage How have you used measurement in the last week?  Jot down 3 or 4 ways you have used measurement in your daily life.  Then, label each example with a “T” (used a tool) or an “E” (made an estimate).  Finally, note how you arrived at each measurement: perceptually, using a benchmark, or unit (standard or nonstandard).

3. 3 Sharing Time  For the next few minutes, share one or two of your measurement experiences with your tablemates.  As a group, discuss whether most of your daily experiences were the result of using an estimate or using a tool.  And, share any benchmarks or strategies that you used in arriving at your measurements.  Be prepared to share your table’s observations.

4. 4 Measurement in the Real World  Measurement is integral to our everyday lives.  We learn measurement concepts and skills through experience.  Most of our daily measurements are estimates.  The real world is interdisciplinary.

5. 5 Explore  Two identical transparencies have been rolled into cylinders - one, tall and slender and the other, short and wide.  They have been taped along the edges to avoid any overlap.

6. 6 Explore The tall, slender cylinder is then placed inside the short, wide one and filled to the top with popcorn.

7. 7 Prediction When the tall cylinder is lifted, will the popcorn… 1.Fill the shorter cylinder to the top, 2.Overflow, or, 3.Not completely fill the shorter cylinder?

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9. 9 Explain  What attribute are we actually measuring when we fill the cylinders with popcorn?  What attribute are we measuring when we look at the lateral sides made by the two transparencies?

10. 10 Elaborate  How would you build a cylinder if you wanted to contain the maximum volume of corn using the same amount of lateral surface materials?  Can you think of a real world context for this activity?

11. 11 Elaborate  What are the various attributes of a cylinder that can be measured?  Take a few minutes to discuss this with your tablemates.

12. 12 Important Measurement Ideas The process of measurement includes:  Selecting/identifying the attribute or property to be measured  Choosing an appropriate unit of measure that has the same attribute  Making an estimate  Comparing the chosen unit to the object to be measured  Determining the number of those units by counting, using an instrument, and/or a formula

13. 13 Important Measurement Ideas Remember to express the measurement in terms of a number and a unit.

14. 14 © Bil Keane, Inc. King Features Syndicate

15. 15 Used with permission; http://www.cartoonstock.com

16. 16 Important Measurement Ideas Definition of Measurement: Measurement is the process of quantifying the attribute or property of an object by comparison with some unit (nonstandard or standard).

17. 17 Important Measurement Ideas  Measurements are approximations!  There is always a margin of error. Why?  The smaller the unit, the more precise the measurement.  What is the smallest unit that our students are required to use for each attribute of measurement at each grade level in the TEKS?

18. 18 Let’s Measure!