Tech-Enhanced Exploration: Measuring Cultures and Traditions

2nd Grade

Project
4 weeks

Tech-Enhanced Exploration: Measuring Cultures and Traditions

Sara Muldoon

CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.1

CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.2

CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.B.5

CCSS.Math.Content.2.OA.A.1

CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.5

+ 1 more

Purpose

This project encourages students to explore different countries by measuring and creating life-sized models of animals or plants for an international festival exhibit. Through these hands-on activities, students will develop measurement skills and connect math to real-world contexts. This approach integrates informational text features, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while deepening their understanding of global cultures. Additionally, students will utilize age-appropriate technology and online resources to access and comprehend information, supporting language development for ELL students.

Learning goals

Students will develop measurement skills by using appropriate tools to measure the length of objects to the nearest unit, and they will apply these skills to create projects such as scaled models or drawings of animals or plants for the international festival exhibit. They will solve word problems using addition and subtraction within 100, enhancing their understanding of measurement relationships and strategies. Through hands-on activities, students will build a foundational understanding of how measurement is used in everyday life and how it connects to informational text features. Additionally, students will utilize age-appropriate technology tools and websites to access and comprehend information, supporting their reading and understanding of diverse cultural content.

Standards

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.2 - Measure the length of an object twice, using length units of different lengths for the two measurements; describe how the two measurements relate to the size of the unit chosen.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.B.5 - Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving lengths that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as drawings of rulers) and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.OA.A.1 - Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one- and two-step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.5 - Fluently add and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.9 - Explain why addition and subtraction strategies work, using place value and the properties of operations.

Products

Students will create a "Cultural Measurement Booklet" where they document their findings by measuring and comparing objects related to the cultures they study, such as traditional clothing, instruments, or artifacts. They will design a "Cultural Exhibit" for the International Festival, featuring scaled models of plants or animals significant to different countries, using their measurement skills. Additionally, students will engage in math projects by creating measurement-based word problems related to cultural contexts and solving them using addition and subtraction within 100. To incorporate technology, students will use age-appropriate websites and digital tools to research cultural information and enhance their booklets with digital images and text. By the end of the project, students will present their booklets and exhibits, using both written and oral communication to share their understanding of measurement and its connection to cultural exploration.

Launch

Begin the project with an "International Festival Exhibit" preparation activity. Students will select a country and research its unique animals or plants, creating life-sized models using measurement skills. They will use kid-friendly websites like National Geographic Kids or Britannica Kids to gather information, supporting English language learners with accessible content. Students will record their data and use informational text features to present their findings, integrating math and literacy skills. This hands-on experience will culminate in a classroom exhibit where students showcase their models and share insights about the cultural significance of their chosen country's natural elements.

Exhibition

Students will create a math-focused project that involves measuring and comparing the lengths of everyday objects in their environment, such as animals or plants from the country they studied, to scale. They will design a visual display that includes drawings and measurements, using different units, and solve related word problems. Incorporating technology, students can use educational sites like Epic! or Raz-Kids to access information and enhance their understanding. Students will present their projects in a classroom exhibition, explaining the mathematical processes they used and showcasing their informational texts. Peers and families will be invited to engage with their interactive math activities and learn about the cultural significance of the objects measured.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Project Introduction and Country Selection. Begin with a discussion about the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultures. Introduce the project and let students select a country from a pre-curated list. Encourage them to think about what they might learn from their chosen country.	Activity 2: Research and Exploration. Guide students to use age-appropriate digital tools like National Geographic Kids or Britannica Kids to research a traditional animal or plant from their country. Ensure resources are accessible for ELL students by providing direct links and instructions.	Activity 3: Measurement Tools Workshop. Teach students how to use rulers and measuring tapes. Allow them to practice measuring classroom objects, focusing on accuracy and understanding the concept of units.	Activity 4: Measuring Cultural Elements. Students will measure images or replicas of their chosen animal or plant using both inches and centimeters. They will record their findings in a 'Cultural Measurement Log'. Discuss how different units impact measurements and why this is important for creating accurate models.
Deliverables	1. Completed 'Cultural Measurement Log' with recorded measurements of the selected animal or plant in both inches and centimeters.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Create a list of countries with significant animals or plants for students to choose from. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare measuring tools such as rulers and measuring tapes, ensuring enough for all students. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop a 'Cultural Measurement Log' template for students to document their measurements. 4. Prep Task 4: Source or create images/replicas of animals or plants for students to measure. 5. Prep Task 5: Compile a list of age-appropriate websites and digital tools with instructions for students to research their chosen country's flora or fauna.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Conduct a 'Cultural Object Measurement' session where students select a cultural artifact (e.g., traditional clothing or musical instrument) related to their chosen country. They will measure the length using rulers and measuring tapes, recording results in both inches and centimeters.	Activity 2: Facilitate a 'Measurement Comparison Workshop' where students work in pairs to compare their measurements, discuss how different units affect results, and explore the importance of measurement accuracy.	Activity 3: Introduce a 'Math Story Problem Activity'. Students will create word problems based on their measured cultural artifacts, using addition and subtraction within 100 to solve these problems with real-world applications.	Activity 4: Guide a 'Cultural Context Exploration' where students research and write a short informational text about how the selected artifact reflects the country's history or geography, incorporating at least one informational text feature like a diagram or caption.
Deliverables	1. Completed 'Cultural Object Measurement Log' with recorded measurements in different units. 2. List of solved word problems demonstrating understanding of addition and subtraction within 100, based on measured data. 3. Short informational text about the cultural significance of their chosen artifact, including an informational text feature.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather measuring tools such as rulers and measuring tapes, ensuring sufficient supplies for all students. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare a 'Cultural Object Measurement Log' template for students to document their measurements. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop guiding questions to facilitate discussions during the 'Measurement Comparison Workshop'. 4. Prep Task 4: Provide resources or access to digital media for students to research the cultural significance of their chosen artifacts. 5. Prep Task 5: Create examples of word problems and informational texts to aid students in their activities.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Introduce the 'Cultural Exhibit Model Creation'. Students will design and build life-sized models of an animal or plant significant to their chosen country, which will be featured in the International Festival exhibit.	Activity 2: Facilitate a 'Re-measurement Session' where students use rulers and measuring tapes to verify the dimensions of their chosen animal or plant. Ensure accuracy for their model creation.	Activity 3: Guide the construction of models using craft materials like cardboard, fabric, and paint. Encourage students to include cultural elements in their designs, such as patterns or colors specific to the country.	Activity 4: Conduct a 'Math and Cultural Integration Workshop'. Students will solve word problems related to their models, such as calculating the surface area for painting or determining material needs, using addition and subtraction within 100.
Deliverables	1. Completed life-sized model of a culturally significant animal or plant, accurately reflecting their measurements and cultural elements. 2. Math worksheet showing calculations and problem-solving steps used in the 'Math and Cultural Integration Workshop'.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather materials for model construction, such as cardboard, fabric, paint, rulers, and measuring tapes. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare examples of cultural elements for students to incorporate into their models, such as traditional patterns or colors. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop math problems and worksheets that relate to the model construction, emphasizing measurement and cultural integration. 4. Prep Task 4: Arrange the classroom space to facilitate easy access to materials and collaborative work during model construction.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Facilitate a 'Cultural Measurement Exhibition' where students set up displays of their life-sized models and 'Cultural Measurement Booklets'. Students will explain their mathematical processes and cultural discoveries to peers, families, and invited guests.	Activity 2: Guide students in preparing and rehearsing their oral presentations. Focus on effectively communicating their measurement methods, cultural insights, and any challenges faced during the project.	Activity 3: Conduct a 'Reflection Circle' where students discuss what they learned about measurement and culture, how they applied these concepts to real-world contexts, and their favorite experiences from the project.	Activity 4: Organize a 'Peer Feedback and Interaction' session where students examine each other's displays, provide constructive feedback, and engage in discussions to deepen their understanding.
Deliverables	1. Completed display for the 'Cultural Measurement Exhibition', showcasing life-sized models and cultural measurement documentation. 2. Oral presentation delivered during the exhibition, highlighting key learnings and mathematical processes. 3. Reflection entry summarizing personal insights and growth in understanding measurement and cultural connections.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange the classroom space to accommodate the 'Cultural Measurement Exhibition' setup, ensuring each student has adequate space for their display. 2. Prep Task 2: Provide materials for display creation, including poster boards, markers, and any additional decorative items. 3. Prep Task 3: Organize a schedule for student presentations and peer interactions, inviting other classes and teachers to participate as audience members. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare reflection prompts or guiding questions to facilitate the reflection circle. 5. Prep Task 5: Supply materials for the peer feedback session, such as feedback forms or sticky notes for students to leave comments.