We've been using non-standard tools to measure items around our classroom. The first tool we measured with was a small plastic disc. We refer to these discs as chips. Everyone was excited to remove one shoe and measure the length with the colorful discs. We graphed our results to see who had the longest and the shortest foot. Next, we paired up and measured each other's foot. The findings were recorded and again, we graphed the results.
The next day students were placed in groups of three to work as a team. The team assigned one student to be a measurer, one to be the counter and lastly, the recorder. This time students measured with Unifix cubes and measured chairs, filing cabinets, computer benches and desks. We'll be branching out into the halls soon to measure all sorts of things with all sorts of tools!
