Part of Lesson Plan: Distance Measurement

Activity Overview / Details

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).