Measuring Distances
Math

Prerequisite:
Students will need to have constructed their islands already to be able to complete this assignment.

Description of lesson:
With a piece of string have students start measuring their islands. Have them measure perimeter, length, width,  perimeter of lakes, length of rivers, etc. Students will need to convert these measurements to the scale that the class decided on. Students will write the converted measurements on a 3x5 note card. This information should be large enough for everyone to see. Students should also use their land features' names when presenting this information (ex Largest Mountain: Mount Stacey-3000 feet).

Goals/Objectives:
Using a predetermined scale, students will be able to convert their islands measurements to a life-size value.
Students will be able to work together in groups.
Students will review the land forms they are learning in geography.

Major Learning Activities:
Students will be engaged learners as they measure and convert their islands measurements.  They will be conversing with one another and checking each others work.

Materials and Resources:
Salt Dough Islands
Index Cards
Pre cut string
Pen/Pencil
Scratch Paper/Calculator
Spreadsheet software (Excel)

Assessment:
Students will be assessed through visual observation on their ability to work together in groups.  They will also assess one another by checking each others work on converting scale.

Management:
Students will be allowed to move their desks into groups or work on the floor.  Students should be working collectively on the project to achieve a common objective.

Timeline:
To complete this activity, students will be given a class period of 42 minutes.

Follow-up Activity:
Students will produce a spreadsheet to display the measurements of their island in both scale and actual size.

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