As People Get Older, They Get Taller: An Integrated Unit on Measurement, Linear Relationships, and Data Analysis

Abstract

When we planned an investigation in which second-grade students would examine the relationship between their own heights and those of fourth graders, we expected that the second graders would have some intuitions about the way in which height changes with age. We hoped to build on these intuitions through measuring and graphing activities. Our conversations about designing this unit began as the teacher, Chris, started to teach a unit on linear measurement. By the time we finalized our instructional plans, Chris was ready to conclude the measurement unit. Our work, therefore, was an extension of what she had taught on linear measurement; students were familiar with linear measurement units and measuring with a standard instrument.