Surf for More Math

Lesson 1 - Using Nonstandard Units

Use these interactive games and activities to encourage students to have fun on the Web while learning about using nonstandard units. Students can try these activities on their own or in pairs.

Goals

Use nonstandard units to estimate, measure, and record linear dimensions.

Select an appropriate nonstandard unit to measure length.

Instructions for Use

Rocket Constructor lets students use nonstandard units to estimate and record linear dimensions.

To use Rocket Constructor, click the arrow button above "go". Then select one of the rocket pieces. Input a number in the text box "Distance in Steps". Try 20. This indicates how far the piece moves when you select a move button. Move the piece onto the workspace by clicking the right, left, up, or down arrow. Adjust the pieces with the "wider", "narrower", "taller" and "shorter" buttons to build the rocket. You can adjust the "Distance in Steps" if you need to make smaller moves.

Hop to It lets students select an appropriate nonstandard unit to measure length.

To use Hop to It, select one of the buttons for frog to jump a small, medium, or large hop. Click on the button. Try to make frog land on the lily pads to cross the pond.