Update 11/9 (3.2 math)

Dear Family,

 

Our class is starting a new mathematics unit about measurement. In this unit, students will measure time to the minute using both analog and digital clocks, solve word problems involving elapsed time, and estimate and measure mass and volume using grams, kilograms, and liters. They will also solve one step word problems involving mass and volume.

 

Throughout the unit, students work toward the following goals:

 

Benchmark/Goals	Examples
Tell time to the nearest minute on analog and digital clocks	8:22                                   Digital Clock                 Analog Clock
Solves word problems about elapsed time using a number line	Tonya wakes up at 6:45 a.m. It takes her 5 minutes to shower, 15 minutes to get dressed, and 15 minutes to eat breakfast. What time will she be ready for school?
Estimate and measure mass using grams and kilograms	A paper clip is about 1 gram               A liter of water is about 1 kilogram                                                                                                           Students use these benchmarks to estimate mass of other objects.
Estimate and measure volume using liters	About how many liters does it take to fill a bathroom sink, about 4 liters, about 40 liters, or about 400 liters? (About 4 liters)   About how many liters does it take to fill a bathtub, about 2 liters, about 20 liters, or about 200 liters? (About 200 liters)
Measure with a ruler to halves and fourths	Measure the picture to the nearest fourth of an inch.

 

 

The activities below are related to the mathematics in the measurement unit.  You can use the activities to enrich your child’s mathematical learning experience.

 

Elapsed Time around the House

 

• Provide blank charts and have your child fill out what they do from the time they get home to the time they go to bed. These can include sports, dinner, homework, television watching, etc. Starting and finishing times cannot overlap. Practice determining the elapsed time for these activities.

• Explore newspaper movie listings with your child, ask, “How long will this movie last?”

 

 

Exploring Mass and Volume on Food and Liquid Containers

 

Look at packages of food and liquid in your house and in a grocery store. Have your child estimate the volume of liquid containers and the mass of the food packages, and then look at the package to determine if your estimate was reasonable.

 

In our math class, students spend time discussing problems in depth and are asked to share their reasoning and solutions.  It is most important that children accurately and efficiently solve math problems in ways that make sense to them.  At home, encourage your child to continue to practice their multiplication facts and explain his or her math reasoning to you.

 

Representing and Interpreting Data

 

Discuss “how many more” and “how many less.”

 

Measure lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch.

 

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning.