Adventure Measurements: Cartoon Character Challenges

1st Grade

Project
2 weeks

Adventure Measurements: Cartoon Character Challenges

Matthew Miramon (Matt)

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

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

CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.B.3

CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.C.4

Purpose

Students will explore measurement by assisting cartoon characters in solving fun, real-world challenges. They'll engage in hands-on activities to learn about length, time, and data interpretation. The project concludes with a collaborative mural and a Measurement Adventure Fair, showcasing their skills in an interactive setting.

Learning goals

Students will order objects by length and compare lengths using indirect methods. They will express lengths using whole number units and tell time to the hour and half-hour. Students will organize and interpret data to categorize and compare information, applying measurement in real-world contexts.

Standards

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.
CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.B.3 - Tell and write time in hours and half-hours using analog and digital clocks.
CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.C.4 - Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask and answer questions about the total number of data points, how many in each category, and how many more or less are in one category than in another.

Products

Students will create measurement journals with sketches and notes on their daily activities. By the end, they will collaboratively produce a class mural depicting cartoon characters in measurement adventures, with labeled tools and units. Students will also prepare interactive stations for the 'Measurement Adventure Fair' to showcase their understanding of measurement concepts.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Cartoon Character Measurement Mystery' scavenger hunt. Set up simple stations where students solve clues about object lengths to help cartoon characters find a treasure. Each clue involves using measurement tools, sparking teamwork and excitement.

Exhibition

Host a 'Measurement Adventure Fair' in the classroom where students set up simple interactive stations themed around cartoon characters. Each station includes a quick measurement activity or game, like estimating and comparing lengths. Students guide visitors through their stations, sharing their learning and showcasing their class mural.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Start with a 'Cartoon Character Measurement Mystery' where students work in small groups to solve measurement clues using rulers and measuring tapes to help characters find a treasure.	Introduce students to their 'Measurement Adventure Journal' where they will draw or write about their measurement activities, including the tools and units they used.	Have students engage in a hands-on activity to order three objects by length. Provide examples like pencils, crayons, and blocks, encouraging students to use a third object to compare lengths.	Conduct an activity where students measure objects using non-standard units like paper clips or buttons, recording the number of units needed without gaps or overlaps.	Introduce telling time with analog and digital clocks using a story where cartoon characters need to be at certain places at specific times. Use clock manipulatives for practice.
Deliverables	1. Complete entries in the 'Measurement Adventure Journal' with drawings and notes about the week's activities. 2. A simple chart or drawing where each student organizes and compares the lengths of three objects using indirect comparison.
Preparation	1. Prepare measurement tools like rulers and measuring tapes for the scavenger hunt. 2. Provide each student with a 'Measurement Adventure Journal' for daily reflections. 3. Gather various objects of different lengths for comparison activities. 4. Prepare analog and digital clock manipulatives for time-telling activities.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Kick off the week by having students collaborate in pairs to create a 'Measurement Map.' Each pair selects a cartoon character and designs a simple adventure path on paper. Students use rulers or non-standard units to measure and record distances between points on the map.	Introduce 'Time Travel Adventures' where students help their cartoon characters reach destinations at specific times. Using analog and digital clock manipulatives, students practice setting and reading times to the hour and half-hour, creating a timeline of their character's journey.	Guide students in a data organization activity where they collect, sort, and represent data about the class's favorite cartoon characters. Students create a simple bar graph or pictogram and discuss their findings.	Contribute to the class mural by having students draw and color their cartoon characters using measurement tools. Students label the lengths and units on their drawings, adding them to the collaborative mural.	Prepare for the 'Measurement Adventure Fair' by setting up interactive stations. Students choose a measurement activity they enjoyed and create simple instructions for visitors. Stations may include measuring objects, telling time, or organizing data.
Deliverables	1. A completed 'Measurement Map' showing cartoon character adventures with recorded measurements. 2. A timeline of the 'Time Travel Adventures' with correctly set times on both analog and digital clocks. 3. A bar graph or pictogram representing class data on favorite cartoon characters, along with a short discussion of the results. 4. Contribution to the class mural, featuring cartoon characters and labeled measurement tools and units. 5. Set-up and practice run of their interactive station for the 'Measurement Adventure Fair.'
Preparation	1. Prepare materials for 'Measurement Maps,' including paper, rulers, and crayons. 2. Provide clock manipulatives and create simple story prompts for time-based activities. 3. Gather materials for creating bar graphs or pictograms, including chart paper and markers. 4. Ensure art supplies are available for mural creation, such as large paper, paints, and labels for measurement units. 5. Assist students in organizing materials for their interactive stations, offering guidance on instructions and layout.