Discovery Activities: Standard Measurement

Measure various materials using scientific tools. Evaluate the need for a standard unit of measure.

Contact Information

For more information about this program, contact:

Menzel Smith-Jones
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Bldg.400C – P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
631-344-4495 (phone)
631-344-7098 (fax)
mjones@bnl.gov

Students will experiment, collect and analyze data to determine the need for standardized measuring tools in science. Working in small groups, students will measure the length of an object using various non-standard and standard measuring tools.

Vocabulary

balance scale, thermometer, graduated cylinder, trundle wheel, standard measuring system- inches, feet, yards, miles, pounds, ounces, pints, fluid ounces; metric measuring system- centimeters, meters, kilometers, grams, kilograms, liters, milliliters

Audience for This Program

Elementary Grades: 1-2

Program Benefits

Lesson Objectives

1) Understand that measurement is an important aspect of science.

2) Demonstrate an understanding of the need for standard units of measurement in science.