Instructor: Candyce Giesler
Subject Area: Geometry
Curriculum Objective: Use tools to measure to the nearest 1/16 of an inch.
Content Standard Alignment: MA 2, Collision Repair Technology (read a rule with fractional inch)
Process Standard Alignment: 1.4, 3.3
Grade-Level Expectations: M2A2, I use this with high school students to help them read a ruler, though the expectation is extended to the sixteenth of an inch.
Learner Activity: The students will make a model of a one inch ruler. They will use the ruler to learn the markings of a ruler. They will use a 12-inch ruler to measure lines and objects.
Assessment Activity: Students will measure lines and objects with a ruler. I like to include some of these throughout the year on several assessments.
Instructional Method:
Begin the lesson by telling students the importance of being able to read a ruler. Discuss jobs where this skill is necessary (Car maintenance and repair).
1. Give students a piece of adding machine tape that is between 8 and
12 inches long. They should lay it in front of them horizontally.
2. Have the students mark a line near the beginning and the end, that goes most of the way down the paper. Mark these with a “0” at the beginning and a “1” at the end.
3. Fold the paper so that these two lines lay on top of each other. Crease the paper. Open the paper and make a line on the crease that is not quite as long as the first lines drawn. Mark this line, “1/2”.
4. Refold the paper, take the creased edge and lay it on top of the long lines. Open the paper and make a line on both creases that is shorter then the ½ inch line. Mark these lines with “1/4” and “3/4”.
5. Repeat these steps for the 1/8 and the 1/16.
6. Discuss the patterns you see on the ruler.
7. Put a drawing of a one inch ruler on the overhead or chalk board. Label several places with letters. Have the students indicate where those letters are using their rulers.
8. Draw a ruler with more than one inch shown on the board. Repeat the process of having students read the ruler.
9. Give students real rulers. Compare them with the rulers they made. Some ruler markings begin at the end of the plastic, some are indented like the students model rulers.
10. Have the students use real rulers to measure lines together. They can use their model rulers as a cheat sheet.
11. Have the students measure objects around the room with a partner.
12. Review the patterns on the ruler.
This skill is used several times a year on different projects. It can be added to all tests simply by drawing a line for students to measure.
Materials: Classroom set of rulers.