Intro to Ag Mechanics Model

Units:

Tags

Lesson Plan Industry Sector
Agriculture & Natural Resources

Lesson Plan Originally Created By: Dick Piersma

Distance Measurement

Part of Unit: Land Measurement

Lesson Plan Overview / Details

This lesson begins to move from the concepts of "approximate" units of measurement to more precise, standardized measurement units. Pacing, Chaining, Taping and the use of odometers and electronic tools to measure distance are covered. Students will be able to demonstrate one or more of the methods for measuring distance covered in this lesson.

Distance Measurement

Instructional Time
2 Hours

Standards

California Career and Technical Education Standards

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

Objectives and Goals

Students will be able to describe the various land measurement methods, including pacing; taping; chaining; or the use of odometers or electronic devices to measure linear distance.

Grades:
9 to 12
Industries and Pathways:
Agriculture & Natural Resources

Activities in this Lesson

  • Distance Measurement - Hooks / Set

    As students enter the classroom today, there will be actual tools that are used in the various measurement techniques for land measurement (Chain, Tape, Odometer, and if available, an Electronic Measuring Device). Teacher posts an A, B, C, D picture with qualifiers that tell how many people needed to use the tool and cost (cheap/expensive). Ask the students which tool they would select to measure 1. perimeter of the ag building and 2. survey for property markers for a new building site. When they have chosen, have them raise their hands for A, B, C, or D.

    The discussion will be on the need for standardized tools in order to have accurate measurements. As we look at the tools on display lead the discussion towards the accuracy of one tool over the other. Depending on the objective of the measurement project, a more accurate form of measurement may be required.

    If you don't have some of these tools you may substitute a good picture, or better yet, it may be time to become acquainted with some local contractors or your local equipment rental yard and ask to borrow tools to use in this lesson (this may turn into finding a good guest speaker as well).

  • Distance Measurement - Lecture

    This lesson is comprised of a power point presentation titled, "Distance Measurement". After the discussion about the various tools that are on display, handout a Student Outline to each student. As I discuss each slide, the students follow along on their handout and take notes. We ask questions and discuss each item.

    • Distance Measurement - Power Point [ Download ] Lesson Presentation
    • Teacher Outline [ Download ] Teacher version of the Student Outline
    • Student Outline [ Download ] Handout for Students
    • Distance Measurement - Power Point [ Download ] null
  • Measurement Tool Use Demonstration - Demo / Modeling

    During the lecture, teacher demonstrates the use of each of the tools and techniques as they are discussed. Utilize some of the students to assist in the demonstrations. Use this time to engage the students in discussing the pros/cons of the tool and/or technique. Students can record their notes on the handout.

Assessment

Assessment Types:
Demonstrations, Observations,

This lesson does not have a project to complete so you need to check for understanding often.  Use demonstration techniques to show the students what you are talking about as you progress through the lecture. Students keep their handout in their classroom binder. At the end of the quarter, the binders are evaluated and scored by the teacher.