Land Area Measurements :: Curriculum

Intro to Ag Mechanics Model

Units:

Land Area Measurements

Part of Unit: Land Measurement

Lesson Plan Overview / Details

This activity guides the student through the process of measuring a plot of land using various measurement techniques such as pacing, taping, or using odometers or electronic devices.

Lesson Time

Land Area Measurements: 1 Hour

Standards

California Career and Technical Education Standards

ANR.B.B12.1 Understand common surveying techniques used in agriculture (e.g., leveling, land...
ANR.FS.11.0 Demonstration and Application
ANR.FS.5.3 Use critical thinking skills to make informed decisions and solve problems.
ANR.FS.9.3 Understand how to organize and structure work individually and in teams for effe...

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.5 Extend ideas presented in primary or secondary sources through original analysis...3
ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.6 Demonstrate use of sophisticated learning tools by following technical direction...2
M.4.MG.1.1 Measure the area of rectangular shapes by using appropriate units, such as squar...1
M.7.MG.2.1 Use formulas routinely for finding the perimeter and area of basic two-dimension...31
M.7.MG.2.4 Relate the changes in measurement with a change of scale to the units used (e.g....11

Objectives and Goals

Students will be able to follow written instructions and procedures.
Successfully apply math skills to perform required calculations.
Be able to accomplish the stated task.

Teacher Prep Section

To prepare for this exercise, you will need to find an area near the classroom that you can designate as an area to measure. The size of the area should be near an acre in size. It could be an existing building also. Use whatever means at your disposal to mark points 1., 2., and 3 (see Land Area Measurement Exercise worksheet) on the ground or some landmark (corner of a building, edge of a concrete walkway, etc.). Perform the same measurement techniques you will have the students do and come up with your own set of data and calculations. This will serve as a reference or key to the exercise.

Activities in this Lesson

Land Area Measurement - Hooks / Set
"What are we going to do today Mr. Piersma?" "We are going outside!!!" "Horraayyyy!!!"
Land Area Measurement Exercise - Lab / Shop
This exercise will bring all of the students prior learning on Land Measurement together in one activity. A plot of land has been designated to measure and the students are given a scenario (see Land Area Measurement Exercise Worksheet) to check to see if the plot is one acre in size as advertised. The students will utilize various measurement techniques to complete the task, and compare/contrast the application and efficiency of each.

Some of the forms of land measure are suitable for the students to do individually such as pacing and using the odometer. Taping will require the students to work in groups of two or more, depending on how many tapes and odometers you have.

You could start this exercise by having all students measure by pacing and then bring everyone back together to compare/contrast results. Then send the students out in teams to tape or use the odometer to make the same measurements. The size of the team will depend on how many tapes and odometers you have. A source for odometers may be your local equipment rental and/or contractors in your area. 100' long pieces of nylon rope (1/4" diameter works well) may substitute for a tape as long as the students don't pull it too tight.

Another way to modify this exercise is to taylor it to specific points you have on campus and then adjust the instructions accordingly.
- Land Area Measurement Exercise [ Download ] Student Worksheet

Assessment

Assessment Types:: Observations, Worksheet

Students are assessed through teacher observations while completing their Land Area Measurement Exercise and through one-on-one Q&A with the students. The teacher will also score the worksheets that the students hand in upon completion of the exercise.