BACKGROUND:
Scientists measure many
things and analyze and record the data. In this exercise, students
and their partners will make linear measurements on their bodies and graph
the results. Measurement can be in the English system and the metric
system, depending on the type of rulers and tape measurers available.
PROCEDURE:
- Have students measure
the parts of the body listed below and record the measurements. Measuring
their body parts helps students learn linear measurement. Note that
some of the items are more easily measured by a tape measure (ie. head
size). See if the students can figure out how to measure before giving
them additional instructions. After they obtain this data, have students
predict which person has the largest and smallest before they look at the
answer. Determine who in the class has the largest and smallest of
the items measured.
- Data obtained from the height
measurement will be graphed along with the measurements of all the other
students in class. By analyzing the graphed data, students will quickly
be able to determine the tallest and shortest heights. Use different
colors, one for girls' and one for boys' to more easily compare which group
is the tallest or shortest. Have student make a legend.
- Construct a bar graph
comparing boys and girls.
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