ALEX Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] (2) 2 :

2 ) Collect and evaluate data to determine appropriate uses of materials based on their properties (e.g., strength, flexibility, hardness, texture, absorbency).*

[SC2015] (1) 5 :

5 ) Design a solution to a human problem by using materials to imitate how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs (e.g., outerwear imitating animal furs for insulation, gear mimicking tree bark or shells for protection).*

[MA2019] (2) 20 :

20. Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference of the two objects using standard units of length.

After reading, What if You Had Animal Ears? by Sandra Markle, students will plan, design, and create bat-like ears from various materials for a STEM challenge. Students will test their models and redesign them to improve the effectiveness of their models to increase their own ability to hear by mimicking the external parts of a bat's ear. The students will measure and collect data from tests and compare results between the design and the redesign. This lesson can be completed in two 45 minute sessions or one 90 minute session. 

This lesson plan was created in partnership with the Birmingham Zoo. 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SC2015] (2) 5 :

5 ) Plan and carry out an investigation, using one variable at a time (e.g., water, light, soil, air), to determine the growth needs of plants.

[MA2019] (3) 19 :

19. Estimate and measure liquid volumes and masses of objects using liters (l), grams (g), and kilograms (kg).

a. Use the four operations to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes given in the same metric units.

[MA2019] (0) 17 :

17. Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common to see which object has "more of" or "less of" the attribute and describe the difference.

Example: Directly compare the heights of two children and describe one child as "taller" or "shorter."

[MA2019] (0) 15 :

15. Classify objects into given categories of 10 or fewer; count the number of objects in each category and sort the categories by count.

a. Categorize data on Venn diagrams, pictographs, and "yes-no" charts using real objects, symbolic representations, or pictorial representations.

[MA2019] (1) 18 :

18. Determine the length of an object using non-standard units with no gaps or overlaps, expressing the length of the object with a whole number.

[MA2019] (1) 16 :

16. Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories.

a. Ask and answer questions about the total number of data points in organized data.

b. Summarize data on Venn diagrams, pictographs, and "yes-no" charts using real objects, symbolic representations, or pictorial representations.

c. Determine "how many" in each category using up to three categories of data.

d. Determine "how many more" or "how many less" are in one category than in another using data organized into two or three categories.

[MA2019] (2) 17 :

17. Measure the length of an object by selecting and using standard units of measurement shown on rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, or measuring tapes.

[MA2019] (2) 20 :

20. Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference of the two objects using standard units of length.

[MA2019] (2) 15 :

15. Measure lengths of several objects to the nearest whole unit.

a. Create a line plot where the horizontal scale is marked off in whole-number units to show the lengths of several measured objects.

[MA2019] (2) 16 :

16. Create a picture graph and bar graph to represent data with up to four categories.

a. Using information presented in a bar graph, solve simple "put-together," "take-apart," and "compare" problems.

b. Using Venn diagrams, pictographs, and "yes-no" charts, analyze data to predict an outcome.

In this lesson, students will understand that in order to grow healthy plants, soil, water, light, and air must be provided. Students will use math skills such as measurement and science process skills such as observation, comparing, and recording data.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [MA2019] (2) 17 :

17. Measure the length of an object by selecting and using standard units of measurement shown on rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, or measuring tapes.

[MA2019] (2) 20 :

20. Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference of the two objects using standard units of length.

In this activity from The Electric Company, students will review standard units of measurement, investigate standard measurement tools, and be introduced to the use of nonstandard measurement tools. Included are simple teacher-led activities and hands-on exercises for students.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [MA2019] (2) 17 :

17. Measure the length of an object by selecting and using standard units of measurement shown on rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, or measuring tapes.

[MA2019] (2) 20 :

20. Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference of the two objects using standard units of length.

In this activity from The Electric Company, students will use standard tools to measure objects and measure to show how much longer one object is than another. Included are simple teacher-led activities and hands-on exercises for students.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [MA2019] (2) 20 :

20. Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference of the two objects using standard units of length.

[MA2019] (2) 21 :

21. Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving same units of length, representing the problem with drawings (such as drawings of rulers) and/or equations with a symbol for the unknown number.

In this interactive activity, students will be led through steps to add and subtract measurements in word problems. There are teaching activities as well as practice activities available. A handout that reviews the steps taught during the interactive is available to be printed. After utilizing this resource, the students can complete the short quiz to assess their understanding.