Measuring Penny a Second Grade Lesson

Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy provides an amazing backdrop for teaching second grade common core math standards.  Below you'll find a lesson plan that does just that!  I had a great time creating this lesson. I created this on the tail wind of a STEM class.  The focus of this class was inquiry based learning and student ownership. This lesson  dives into those concepts by encouraging student ownership of story problems, aka learning tasks.  The powerpoint for this lesson can be accessed via Author Stream or my wiki page.

Author Stream Version:

Measuring Penny

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Unit Lesson Plan

Measuring Penny

Second Grade, Common Core Learning Task

Standard: 

2.MD.A.1  Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.

2.MD.A.2  Measure the length of an object twice using length units of different lengths for the two measurements: describe how the two measurements relate to the size of the unit chosen.

2.MD.A.4  Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, express the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.

2.MD.B.5 Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving lengths that are given in the same units, e.g. by using drawings (such as drawings of rulers) and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Student Objective Statement:

I can measure using standard units (inches/centimeters).

I can choose appropriate tools.

I can create story problems using addition and subtraction strategies.

I can solve story problems using words, pictures, and equations.

I can record data on a table.

Essential questions:

When is measurement used at school? At home? The larger world?

Related questions:

How do I use tools to measure and compare objects?

How do I use addition and subtraction when measuring?

Activities & Sequencing:

Hook/Engage (5 mins):

http://www.brainpopjr.com/math/measurement/inchesandfeet/

Whole group, small group, & Independent work:

1.Set the purpose by introducing the Book Measuring Penny & having students complete a quick review to access prior knowledge through the following sites using iPods, iPads or computers.http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/length_strength3/  http://www.rickyspears.com/rulergame/

2.Whole group, read Measuring Penny (5-10 mins).

3.Whole group, complete chart on slide 3. Identify measuring tools and what was measured from the story (5 mins).

4.Measuring Activity #1, slides 5-6: Introduce step #1, Review expectations for cooperative learning time, partner assignments and mathematical practices.  Students break into groups to measure 5 different classroom items using a non standard unit, aka dog biscuits (10-15mins).

5.Whole group, introduce step 2 of Activity #1. Think, Pair, & Share with partners to complete step #2 (10-15 mins).

6.Measuring activity 2 (centimeters), slides 7-8.  This may be completed at a separate time or day (10-15 mins).

7.Measuring activity 3 (inches), slides 9-10.  This may be completed at a separate time or day (10-15 mins).

8.Reread Measuring Penny.  Using a stuffed animal brought from home, students will complete the learning task on slides 11-12. The actual student created problems can be treated as an exit slip or cumulative project depending on the assessment purpose, formative or summative (20-30 mins)