Lesson Plan: Metric Olympics Measuring

The Olympics start tonight! The Metric Olympics are not only timely for the Olympics, but are also a great way to teach students about the metric system and conversions! Our lesson plan for the Metric Olympics is broken into five unit lesson plans, which will be posted separately. The entire unit plan is intended for sixth grade, but can be adapted for any middle-level grade. The following lesson is the second part of the unit that involves measuring.

Click the following links for each part: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V

Title: Part II: Basic Metric System Measuring

Subject: Science/Math

Grade Level: 6th grade, can be adapted for any grade level

Objective:  Students will be able to find basic measurements using a balance, meter stick, and graduated cylinder.



Procedure:

• Demonstrate how to measure with a meter stick by drawing a line on the chalkboard.
• Demonstrate how to find the weight of an object by weighing an apple on the balance. Explain how to use the balance correctly.
• Demonstrate how to find the volume using a graduated cylinder and cup of water. Show the correct way to read the graduated cylinder.
• Students will measure their pointer finger or finger nail in centimeters.  They will use that length to estimate the size of their pencil, notebook, folder, and binder.  Students will then test their predictions by measuring those objects in centimeters.
• Split students into groups of 4 and hand out supplies to each group.  Explain the lab.
• Pre-measure masking tape before class and stick it to the lab tables.  Students will measure the length of this line in meters and label and record the results on loose leaf paper.
• Students will measure how much water is in each beaker in milliliters and label and record the results on loose leaf paper.
• Students will weigh jelly beans in grams and label record their results on loose leaf paper.

Materials

• 2 Beakers per group filled with water with various colors of food coloring (pre-measured)
• 1 Cup of jelly beans per group (pre-weighed)
• Masking Tape (pre-measured)
• 1 balance per group
• Rulers with centimeters
• Folder
• Apple
• Notebook
• Binder
• 1 Meter stick per group
• Pencil
• Loose Leaf Paper
• 1 Graduated Cylinders per group

Assessment:

• Walk around and observe students when they are doing the activity.
• Collect loose leaf paper that students recorded their answers on.  Use the measurements the teacher made before class as an answer guide.