Nature Measurement Activity

• This activity calls for a nature walk and the collection of found items. If your students do not have access to a safe place for a nature walk, try out a virtual nature walk and collect the items before the activity. Alternatively, printable items have been provided as a last resort.
• This activity has whole group and small group center work but is easily adaptable for your specific needs.

This activity has students inquire about human-nature relationships and examine the impacts of human activities on the natural ecosystem. It further inspires them to initiate an account of best practices for recycling, waste management, and how to live in harmony with nature. Following the scientific review, teachers are advised to apply this activity in the classroom.

Primary Standards

• Common Core Math Standards (CCSS.MATH)
  • Measurement & Data (K-5)
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.A.1 Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. Describe several measurable attributes of a single object.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.A.2 Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has "more of"/"less of" the attribute, and describe the difference. For example, directly compare the heights of two children and describe one child as taller/shorter.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.MD.A.1 Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.MD.A.2 Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units, by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end; understand that the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps or overlaps. Limit to contexts where the object being measured is spanned by a whole number of length units with no gaps or overlaps.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.1 Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.4 Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.