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by Jessica N. Brimmer, student, CSU Fullerton
CONCEPT: Measurement
SKILL: Making liquid measurement unit conversions
GRADES: 3–6
MATERIALS: Models of gallons, quarts, pints, and cups; colored water;
6-inch square templates; various colors of paper; scissors; clear tape
DESCRIPTION
The Grade Three Measurement and Geometry Standard 1.1 states: Choose
the appropriate tools and units (metric and U.S.) and estimate and
measure the length, liquid volume, and weight/mass of given objects.
Standard 1.4 states: Carry out simple unit conversions within a system
of measurement (e.g., centimeters and meters, hours and minutes). This
activity is one way to teach conversion of liquid measurement in a
two-dimensional, tangible way. It helps to commit conversions to memory
and provides a study aid.
DIRECTIONS
Using the measurement models and colored water, show that there are
four quarts in one gallon. Stress that those are equivalent quantities:
4 quarts = 1 gallon. Next, give the students a 6-inch square piece of
paper to represent a 1-gallon unit. Ask how we could divide the
1-gallon paper square model into the equivalent number of quarts.
Students should state that if they cut or fold the large square into
fourths they would have four quarts, which equals one gallon.
Give the students four different colors of paper.
Using the original square as a template, they should trace squares onto
each of the four papers. Have the students divide one of the squares
into four smaller squares. Then when the students lay their four quart
pieces over the 1-gallon paper they can see that they are indeed the
same size (in two dimensions).
Continue the same “demonstrating and questioning”
process with eight pints = 1 gallon, and sixteen cups = 1 gallon. Note
that the pints will be rectangular in shape.
Next, ask students to explore with their shapes,
cutting just one sheet apart at a time, showing there are two cups in a
pint, four cups in a quart, etc. Provide a recording sheet or gather
data on the board as students make discoveries with equivalent
conversions.
When students have a good grasp of the conversion
concepts, they can then assemble their pieces into 'Mr. or Mrs.
Measurement.' They will use the gallon square for a body, then attach
four quarts for arms and legs, two pints on each arm and leg, and two
cups on each pint. I also give my students a circle for a head, just
for decoration.
EXTENSIONS
For less able students, some or all of the pieces can be pre-cut and/or identified with the appropriate labels.
This is also a useful activity for comparing equivalent fractions.
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This Page was last updated: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at 12:21:00 AM
This page was originally posted: 3/17/2004; 12:21:00 AM.
Copyright 2008 cmcmath
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