Popsicle Stick Measurement

In Math Workshop we are learning about nonstandard measurement and using popsicle sticks to measure length.  We learned that when we measure, the units we measure with shouldn't have any gaps and they should be as straight as possible.  Mathematicians are very careful and double-check their work to make sure it's accurate.

Part of the Common Core Standards for math engages kids with measurement by using nonstandard units to understand that length means a number of smaller same-size units laid end-to-end with no gaps or overlaps.  This will help us understand measurement more deeply later when we use the standard measurements of inches and centimeters on a ruler.

Here we are working with our partners, measuring like mathematicians!

We record our estimates in our booklets before we measure.

 Then, we compare our estimates with the actual measurements to see if we had a reasonable estimate.

We measured *lots* of things in our classroom with popsicle sticks.  

 We even measured each other!

Brandon had the idea of using what he knew about his height (which was 11 popsicle sticks) to help him estimate how long the cabinet was...it was the length of a Brandon, plus 2 more sticks. Smart thinking, Brandon!

What could you measure with at home that is a nonstandard unit?