|
Performance Task:
|
|
|
The need to make measurements arises frequently in
our everyday lives and in the workplace. We need to know how to make accurate measurements, how to select and use the proper
measurement tools, and how to make good estimates of measures. This task is designed to give you
experience in measuring length, weight, capacity and temperature. You should work in pairs to perform each
of the following activities.
Activity 1: Length
First estimate the circumference (length around) of your partner's thumb,
wrist, neck and waist. You may make your estimates using either the metric or customary system of
measurement. Make a chart of these estimates. Now find the actual measurement of each using a tape measure.
Compare the actual measurements with your estimates. Compare the measurements of each
individual to see if there is a pattern among them. If you find a pattern, write a brief sentence or two
describing the pattern.
Activity 2: Weight
For this task, you need four different kinds of balls (e.g. golf ball,
baseball, rubber ball, etc.). Talk with your partner and, together, make an estimate of their weight and arrange them in
order of weight from heaviest to lightest. Now, using a scale, weigh each of the balls. Make a chart
showing the estimated weight, the actual weight, the difference between the estimated and actual weights and
the percent of error in the estimate. The percent of error is equal to the difference in the estimated
and actual weights divided by the
actual weight, expressed as a percent.
Activity 3: Capacity
You need a cup, pint, quart and gallon measure for this activity. By
pouring water from one measure to another measure, find how many cups are in a pint, how many pints are in a
quart, and how many quarts are in a gallon. Using this information, write as many measure equivalents
as you can. (e. g. 8 pints = 1 gallon)
Activity 4: Temperature
For this activity, you and your partner need two thermometers. Put
something on your thermometers to identify them. First read and record the temperature on the classroom
thermometer. Discuss with your partner where you think there is a place in the room which is warmer and
where you think there is a place in the room which is cooler than where the classroom thermometer is
located. Place your two thermometers in these two locations. If you think that all places in the room have the
same temperature, place the thermometers in any two locations other than where the classroom
thermometer is located. In either case, tell why you placed the thermometers where you did. After a given length of
time (at least one hour), read and record the temperature of your two thermometers. Also record the
location of your two thermometers. Did the locations of your thermometers give you the results that you expected?
Write a brief report of your results.
|
|
Knowledge / Skills:
|
|
|
Perform operations with signed (positive and
negative) numbers, including decimals, ratios, percents, and
fractions. (m1)
Understand the best procedures for statistical
data collection, organization, and display. (m5)
Compute the perimeter and area of
two-dimensional figures. (m13)
Use the technique of dimensional analysis to
convert units of measure (e.g., convert km/hr to m/min). (m33)
Know how to determine percent error wherever
applicable. (s92)
|
|
Rubric:
|
|
|
Rank each of
the activities on a 4 to 1 scale, where
4 = all criteria met at a high
level,
3 = all criteria met at a satisfactory level,
2 = all criteria met,
but some at a below satisfactory level,
1 = not all criteria met,
0 =
activity not completed.
Activity 1
Understanding of circumference
Reasonableness of estimates
Accuracy of measures using appropriate measuring device
Neatness and organization of chart comparing estimates with actual measures
Identification and description of pattern
Activity
2
Concept of capacity
Ability to find equivalent measures by measurement
Ability to use equivalent measures derived by using manipulative materials to develop
other equivalencies
Activity
3
Concept of weight
Reasonableness of estimates
Ordering of weight estimates
Accuracy of weights using scales
Organization of data
Computation of the percent of error
Activity 4
Concept of temperature
Ability to read and record temperatures on a thermometer
Ability to determine locations which will be warmer or cooler than a known location
Justification of thinking about temperatures at various locations
Ability to interpret results of an experiment involving temperatures
|
