Bubble Measurement
By Caroline Wyman
Objective: The students will become more familiar with the concept of measurement by practicing and measuring the circumference, diameter and radius of a bubble print. Grades 3-5
Initiation: Begin by going over what circumference, diameter and radius is. Give definitions and proceed by measuring the circumference, diameter and radius of circular objects in the room.
Development: After making sure that everyone understands what the circumference, diameter and radius is, break the class up into 4 or 5 groups and hand out dark colored construction paper with a bottle of bubbles for each group. Model how to blow the bubbles onto the paper and brainstorm ways the class thinks that they should measure the bubbles. List any ideas until someone says to use string or yarn. Handout the string or yarn to each group with rulers. After modeling the measurement process, make sure each student in the groups have an opportunity to blow the bubbles and measure them (about 5 bubbles per group). Have the groups list the circumference, diameter and radius next to the appropriate bubble. Come together and share bubbles and results.
Closure: After sharing results, have a bubble blowing contest where each group blows their best 5 bubbles and come together as a class and measure to find the largest bubble winner.
Materials: Dark construction paper, bottles of bubbles, yarn/string, rulers.
Time: 45 minutes
Caroline Wyman has a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Elementary Education and is the administrator for TeacherNet.com.