Mathematical Emphasis

Investigation 1

* Developing a sense of heavier and

lighter by feel

* Developing language to describe and

compare weights

* Learning to use a balance

* Comparing weights of objects

using a balance

* Representing the results of weight

comparisons

Investigation 2

* Developing language to describe and

compare capacity

* Comparing capacity

* Measuring and comparing capacity

using nonstandard units

* Collecting and keeping track of data

Investigation 3

* Developing language to describe and

compare lengths

* Comparing lengths directly

* Measuring and comparing length

using nonstandard units

* Ordering lengths

* Representing measurements with

numbers, concrete materials and

pictures

Websites

http://cms.everett.K12.wa.us/math/First

Grade

http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/games/ga

me15.htm - Capacity

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_2

86_g_1_t_4.html?open=activities - non-

standard measurement

Tips for Helping at Home

•

Talk about weight, collect a small

group of objects. Work together to

figure out which is the heaviest and

which is the lightest.

•

Weigh fruit at the grocery store to-

gether.

•

As you are cooking, ask your child

to help with the filling, measuring,

and leveling off measuring cups

and spoons.

•

Ask your child to estimate length in

practical terms. For example, how

many chairs can fit along one side

of a table.

Measurement

How to help when your student gets

stuck. . .

•

What do you need to find out?

Student should be specific.

•

What information do you have?

•

What strategies are you going to

use?

•

Does that make sense?

•

How do you know?

•

How did you get answer?

•

Does your answer seem reasonable?

•

What else is there to do?

Smaller

---

Classroom Needs

•

Plastic bags with handles

•

Plastic cups, knives, spoons, tubs,

bottles,

•

Funnels

•

Newspaper

•

Food coloring

•

Empty containers

•

Masking tape

Vocabulary

•

Capacity—the amount of space

inside a container

•

estimate—approximate

number

•

balancing—making items

equal in weight

•

comparison—looking at the

likenesses and differences in

two different items

•

non-standard units—measuring

with “spoonfuls” or “hands”,

etc.

Game

Ten Turns

Materials:

one number cube (1—6)

counters

Players: 2

How to Play:

1. Roll the number cube. What

number did you roll? Take that

many counters to start your col-

lection. Write the number your

rolled and total number you

have (for the first turn your

numbers are the same).

2. On each turn, roll the number

cube and take that many count-

ers. Find the total number of

counters you and your partner

have together.

3. After each turn, write the num-

ber you rolled and the new to-

tal.

Variations:

•

Roll two number cubes

•

Play for fewer turns or more

turns.

Online Glossary

http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/

Wright, Tracey. Investigations in Number, Data, and

Space: Bigger, Taller, Heavier, Smaller. Dale Seymour

Publications, 1998.