Kiloclips and Millipens: An Introduction to Units of Measure

Authors

Matthew D. Bannerman, Clarke High SchoolFollow
Casey J. Brown
Doug Martin, Le Mars Community High School

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This article presents a physical science activity for introducing units of measure and the role of human beings in deciding units of measure and their standards. These important science ideas are introduced through inquiry, and in a way that makes this activity appropriate for the beginning of the school year. The manner that this activity is done promotes mental engagement, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the targeted concepts. In doing so, it helps set expectations for the entire course that students will be actively engaged in learning. The activity uses common objects to serve as standards for mass and has students build their own simple balances to teach mass as a property of matter that should later be contrasted with weight. This activity promotes National Science Education Content Standards A, B, E, F, and G, and Iowa Teaching Standards 1, 2, 3, and 5.

Publication Date

Spring 2007

Journal Title

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

Volume

34

Issue

2

First Page

3

Last Page

7

Copyright

© Copyright 2007 by the Iowa Academy of Science

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Bannerman, Matthew D.; Brown, Casey J.; and Martin, Doug (2007) "Kiloclips and Millipens: An Introduction to Units of Measure," Iowa Science Teachers Journal: Vol. 34: No. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/istj/vol34/iss2/3