Black Bayou Lake Measures Up
Please note: This activity is a modified, reduced version of the lesson plan.
Title: Black Bayou Lake Measures Up
Subject: Mathematics
Grade Level: 5 - 8Overview:
Students will visit Black Bayou Lake refuge with measuring tools in hand. The students will be placed in cooperative groups for the activities. The students will select what they would like to measure (from a suggested list), and choose the tools that will be needed for the task.Approximate Duration: 3 - 50 minute class periods
Objectives:
1.The students will measure length and width of a variety of items at Black Bayou Lake refuge.
2. The students will select appropriate units and tools to perform the measurements.
3. The students will estimate approximate lengths and widths before performing actual measurements.Lesson Procedures:
Pre-Field Experiences - Day 1 - School Site
1. Ask the students if they would like to go on a field trip to perform mathematical tasks with measurement. Tell them that there is work to be done before the trip. We must plan ahead so that we will be prepared with measuring tools.
2. Take the students on a virtual tour of the Black Bayou Lake refuge.
3. After the virtual tour, use Inspiration software to brainstorm with the students. Ask the students, "What types of "things" could be measured at Black Bayou Lake Refuge?" From the list of "things" to measure you will choose one to actually measure at the refuge. What tools would be needed for each measurement? Make a list of the various tools that would be needed for the field study.Pre-Field Experiences - Day 2 - School Site
1. Using the tools that the students' chose to measure length and width practice measuring similar types of items around the school.
2. The students will record their findings in their notebook.
3. After measuring around the school, the students will return to the classroom and participate in a teacher led discussion.Black Bayou Lake Refuge
1. Place the students in groups for activities to be completed at Black Bayou Lake refuge.
2. Distribute record sheets and pencils.
3. Students will choose what they would like to measure from the list of "things" that could be measured at Black Bayou. The list will be provided for the students at Black Bayou Lake.
4. Students will estimate the measurement and write their estimate on the record sheet.
5. The students will now choose what tools are needed to accomplish the task.
6. The students will now actually see just how Black Bayou Lake Measures Up.
7. Record measurements on the record sheet.Post-Field Experiences - School Site
Note:
You will find a list of suggested activities that develop curriculum content areas that were addressed in this project; however, post trip activities to be completed should be a collaborative curriculum effort decided by the core teachers.A newsletter will be produced by each school highlighting the project. Each curriculum area will contribute to the newsletter. A letter to the editor will be written by the students. One from each school will be selected to actually be emailed to the editor of the local paper.
Assessment Procedures:
Group Work Rubric
Teacher ObservationReproducible Materials:
Black Bayou Lake Measures Up Group Rubric
Black Bayou Lake Measures Up Record SheetExplorations and Extensions:
The students can go to the computer and use Microsoft Word and/or Paint to draw a scale drawing of what the group measured.
Students can research CAD drawings to learn about landscape design.
Students can utilize interactive websites to further develop skills needed for measurement.
Students can be introduced to volume through the following video:
Discovering Math: Measurement (Grades 6-8) clip, Area and Volume: Relationships and Formulas located in United Streaming, http://www.unitedstreaming.com/
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