Creating Meter Monsters!
2nd-graders draw, measure, and cooperate!
The 2nd-graders put their design skills, teamwork, and a little math to work as they created Meter Monsters. It was a lively, hands-on activity that also turned out to be a worthwhile challenge.
Each student had previously designed a small monster only a few inches tall—including a pumpkin, a hat, and a bat. On Friday, teams examined all of the small designs and chose which elements from each they wanted to incorporate into one large, exactly-one-meter-tall monster.
Every team member was then assigned to re-create one element, scaled up from the original. While the students weren’t formally working with ratios, they used rulers and meter sticks to make sure each piece was the right size to fit the finished monster. Since the class is currently learning about measurements in both inches and centimeters, the project gave them a practical way to apply what they’re studying.
Teams got busy sketching, cutting, and coloring their parts while teachers and parent volunteers kept a careful eye on the process.
“The parents help to facilitate the groups, monitoring the students for participation and teamwork,” said 2nd-grade teacher Kristin Szallay. “They also make sure each item is completed and the correct length.”
For the students, creating the Meter Monsters may have felt like a fun Halloween activity, but it was designed to be much more. Their teachers built in opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and real-world measurement skills.
“The students learn to compromise and be respectful of everyone’s opinions,” Ms. Szallay said. “They learn that they can all come together for one common goal.”
Jacksonville Country Day School
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
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