Measuring Rules

More Lessons

Classroom Curriculum

Measuring RulesDownload

Did you know?

One of the important aspects of measurement is the use of a unit. In the metric system for linear measurement, the unit is meters because everything is relative to the meter like centimeter, kilometer and so on. Building an understanding that a unit is a uniform size is important in understanding how measuring works.

What you need

Tongue depressors (Popsicle sticks also work well) Glue
Noodles (spiral or macaroni work well)
Objects to measure
Markers or crayons
Paper and pencil

What to do

Choose something to measure. Lay out noodles next to it to find out how many noodles long is it.
Create a “Noodle Ruler” (see attached document).
Measure the same object you measured earlier with your new ruler. Is it easier?
Find some other objects to measure: Estimate how many noodles long the objects will be when measured with your “noodle ruler.” Record your estimate.
Measure the objects with your “noodle ruler.”
Compare your estimate to your measurement.
Record your measurements.

What to ask

Does it matter if there are spaces in between the noodles on your ruler?
What if the units on your ruler are not are not all the same size?
What if the object you are measuring is just a little more or less than a noodle?
How do you measure objects bigger than your ruler?

What’s next?

Make another ruler using a different unit. Compare your measurements from each ruler. Which ruler do you think would give the most accurate measurements?
Figure out how to make your ruler more accurate.
Make up a measuring system based on your units. What will you use in your system to measure very small things? Long distances?

Exhibits:

Cyberchase

Grades:

Subjects:

Math

TEKS:

false

100 Puzzles

A Wonderful Weather Story

Achi: A Strange Game of Tic Tac Toe

Acids in Drinks

Alien Encounter