Topic of Lesson: Measuring Trees - Math

Grade: 1

Instructional Goals and Performance Objectives:
1. Students will estimate to make predictions about tree size.
2. Students will measure and record data.
3. Students will use data to make a class graph.

Materials/Aids:
1. An area with several trees will be needed, such as a courtyard.
2. Students will also need a long string of yarn and a ruler.
3. Notebooks and pencils will be needed to record data.
4. A large sheet of chart paper to make the class graph on.

Teaching Learning Activities:
1. Start with a class discussion about ways to measure the width
of a tree. After students come up with ideas explain to them that
they will use a piece of yarn to measure the tree trunk. Ask
students how they could measure the piece of yarn and why yarn
is easier to use to measure a tree than a ruler.

2. Have students form groups of three. Then pass out a long
string of yarn to each group. Next, take the class outside and
have each group choose a tree to work with.

3. Ask the students to make an estimate of how wide their tree is,
using inches and to record their prediction. After this, have each
group wrap the yarn around the tree and cut it so that the yarn fits
perfectly around the tree.

4. Take the class back inside and have them measure the pieces
of yarn that they cut with their rulers.

5. Record each group's data on the board and then use a large
sheet of chart paper to make a class graph with the data.

6. Close the lesson with a group discussion about estimating and
talk about why someone would need to measure a tree.

Evaluation Strategy:
Have each group turn in their data to check for understanding
of assignment.
Use questions you ask during discussion time, before and after
the activity, to check for individual understanding.
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