Activities to Teach Students to Choose Customary Units of Distance
As a teacher, one of our main goals is to help our students develop an understanding of the different units of measurement used in distance, especially the customary units. There are many activities and strategies that teachers can use to help students choose customary units of distance correctly.
Here are five activities that you can use in your classroom to help your students master the use of customary units for distance:
1. Measure common classroom objects
One way to teach students about measuring distance is to start with something tangible. Give students measuring instruments such as a ruler, meter stick or tape measure and a list of objects commonly found in the classroom. Have them measure the length, height and width of each object and record the results in custom units (feet, inches, yards, or miles) that they think are appropriate.
2. Estimate distance
Students can learn how to estimate distances accurately if they get frequent practice. Draw a map of an imaginary city or a school layout, and have students estimate the distance between the different landmarks or buildings on the map. Encourage them to base their estimations on the customary units they have learned so far.
3. Play a game of ‘I Spy’
Playing “I spy” can be a fun activity for students to practice measuring distance. Choose an object in the classroom, and have students guess how far away it is from their location. Ask students to estimate in customary units, and then have them measure the distance using a ruler.
4. Solve word problems focused on distance
Word problems involving distance can be a challenge, but these problems can help students learn how to choose the right customary unit of measure. Use real-world scenarios such as a family trip or a racing competition, create word problems involving the distance participants must travel, and then have students apply their understanding to solve the problem.
5. Conduct a scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts can be a fun way to help students learn about custom units. You can conduct a scavenger hunt by hiding objects of varying distances around the classroom, and asking students to use a ruler or other measuring instruments to find and measure the objects. This activity can challenge them to calculate the distance of each object and then choose the correct customary unit of measure to express that distance.
In conclusion, teaching students to choose customary units of distance can be a challenging task, but it’s essential to help them become proficient in this skill. Engaging students in activities and exercises that incorporate measuring techniques and problem-solving skills will help them develop a better understanding and become more comfortable with distance measurement in different units. By applying these activities, teachers can help their students learn how to choose the correct customary unit of distance with ease.