The Ruler - Math Lesson Plans - 1st Grade

In this lesson, students shall apply the concept of measurement to solve problems involving two- and three-dimensional shapes by demonstrating an understanding of measurement, given familiar objects, to identify type of measurement required, estimate measurement, select appropriate tools and units of measurement, measure accurately, and use measurement to order a group of objects according to size. This lesson includes hands on activities that gives student the opportunity to use a ruler and record their findings. Students will learn that a ruler is marked with numbers, that each number represents a unit of measurement, and they will be able to use the ruler to measure objects in the classroom. Song can also be used with this lesson to help students remember that the Ruler is the king of measurement.

Lesson: The Ruler, The King of Measurement
Grade Level: First Grade
Concept to be taught: Introduce the ruler as a primary device of measurement.
Objectives:
1) Students will learn that a ruler is marked with numbers.
2) Students will learn that each number represents a unit of measurement.
3) Students will learn to use a ruler to measure many objects in the classroom environment.

Materials needed:
1) Copy of "The Ruler, King of Measurement" song for each child.
2) A ruler for each child (twelve inch with metric recommended).
3) Blank lined paper for child to collect data (not a worksheet).
4) Crown to color and tape to rulers.
5) Crayons, scissors and double-stick tape

Procedure:
1) Probe for prior knowledge by asking the following
questions and build from answers:
a) Has anyone met The Ruler, King of Measurement before?
(Hold up a crowned ruler)
b) What does a ruler have printed on it?
c) What do those numbers represent?
d) Who can show me with their fingers how big an inch is?
2) Tell the students they are going to learn what The Ruler, King of Measurement is, what he can do, and what we can do with him by listening to his song.
3) Speak the words to the first four verses of the song.
4) Show the students how to measure an object. Write the name of the object on the board and it's measurement.
5) Sing the whole song through once.
6) Give students a crown to color and tape to their ruler.
7) Have the students' select five objects, shorter than the ruler, to measure and record the measurements on their papers. This should be an open-ended activity, the child should write down the name of the objects they select and record the measurement.
8) Go over students findings together listing measurements in order from smallest to largest.
9) Close with the song.

Evaluation:
Select three objects. Place in front of classroom. Have each student, taking turns, measure one of the items of choice, record the results on the bottom of their data sheet and hand in the paper.
The Ruler, King of Measurement
(tune: Oh my darling)
I'm a ruler, I'm a ruler, I'm the king of measurement, With me you'll do many things, I'm the king of measurement.
Hold me closely, hold me closely, To the thing you'd like to measure, With me you'll do many things, I'm the king of measurement.
Read me carefully, read me carefully, Read my numbers carefully, With me you'll do many things, I'm the king of measurement.
Record the number, record the number, That is why you're using me, With me you'll do many things, I'm the king of measurement.
I come in English, I come in metric, I come with both systems, you see With me you'll do many things, I'm the king of measurement.
Keep me handy, keep me handy, You never know when you'll need me. With me you'll do many things, I'm the king of measurement.

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