Christmas Ribbons
Based on a math pack written by Cathy
Bible and Fran Yeske
OBJECTIVES: Estimate and measure using non-standard units of length
Understand
measurement terminology (longer than, shortest, etc.)
MATERIALS: Envelope of ribbons (R)
Envelope of
measuring objects: Paper
clips, toothpicks, coffee stirrers (R)
Objects from
around the house
Math Journal (R)
Book with Christmas story (R)
A.
From the ribbon bag, chose your favourite
ribbon. How many toothpicks
do you think it would take to measure your ribbon?
Let’s try. What
happened?
How many paper
clips do you think it would take to measure the same ribbon? Will it take more paper clips than toothpicks?
Let’s try. What
happened?
B.
Continue with another length of ribbon.
Use toothpicks and coffee stir sticks to measure this ribbon.
C.
Take five ribbons of different lengths
from the bag of ribbons. Lay
the ribbons flat on the table. Can
your child arrange the ribbons in another way?
Which is the longest? Shortest?
Show me. Can you find
one in between the lengths of these two (show 2)
Show me
something in our house that is longer than this ribbon.
Show me
something that is shorter than this ribbon.
D.
In the Math Journal, draw a line as long
as one stir stick. Now use
the paper clips and measure how long it is.
Record the number (along with the name of this Math Pack and
today’s date.)
E.
Optional:
PARENTS: What are some
of the words your child used in measuring.
What discoveries did she/he make?
Write them in your child’s Math Journal.
