Measurement: Sand Babies


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In this math lesson, learners explore and investigate measurement using standard and non-standard units. First, learners round their birth weight to the nearest pound and construct a bar graph displaying the weights of the entire group. Next, learners measure and place enough sand into a plastic bag to equal their birth weight. With construction paper, crayons and markers, they draw a head, arms, and legs and turn the bags into sand babies. At centers, learners also investigate other types of measurements using non-standard plastic links to measure parts of their body and square tiles to measure the area of a footprint.

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes

Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours

Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students

Age Range:
Ages 6 - 8

Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan

Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)


  • Baby scale to measure pounds and ounces
  • Sentence strip
  • 5-10 index cards
  • Sand
  • Paper clips
  • One gallon plastic bags
  • Markers
  • White construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Tape or glue
  • Bulletin board paper (approximately 15 inches by 18 inches)
  • Masking tape
  • Multicultural crayons
  • Paints
  • Paintbrushes
  • Lots of Links (plastic interlocking clips)
  • Activity Sheets: Measuring Me
  • Paper
  • Square tiles (different colors)
  • Scoop or large spoon

Subjects


  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Collection
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight

Informal Categories


  • Arts and Crafts

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other


This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, PBS, 2012

Funding Source:

  • US Department of Education