Mystery Path Challenge
This lesson challenges young learners to explore the concept of length by measuring objects around their home using everyday items. They will then use their measurements to create a fun, winding path, discovering how different 'tools' give different numbers but still help them understand size.
The lesson goal is in this spark, your learner will measure the length of various objects using non-standard units, compare and order objects based on their measured lengths and estimate and predict measurement outcomes before measuring.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Discuss what measuring means and why.
- Move on when Student engages in a brief discussion about measuring.
Photo by Deon Black on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Brainstorm non-standard measuring tools.
- Gather 2-3 different measuring items.
- Discuss how to use chosen items.
- Move on when Student has identified and gathered at least two non-standard measuring tools and has a basic idea of how to use them.
Photo by Dawid Małecki on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Discuss how different units change numbers.
- Move on when Student articulates that different units will result in different numerical values and understands the idea of a 'unit'.
Photo by Steshka Croes on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Select path start and end points.
- Measure path with first chosen tool.
- Measure same path with a second tool.
- Build a physical path with books/toys.
- Move on when Student has measured their chosen path with at least two different non-standard units and has physically laid out a path matching one of their measurements.
Photo by ClickerHappy on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Discuss measuring discoveries and real-world use.
- Move on when Student shares one key takeaway or observation from the activity.
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