ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How can I use what I know about pi to find the diameter of a tree.

GEORGIA STANDARD (5th Grade):

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Measuring tape
Trees

PREPARE AHEAD:
-This activity is a practical application of using estimation and pi to find the diameter of a circle.
-Review the relationship if the circumference of a circle to the diameter.
-Pre-requisite #1: Students should know that the circumference is approximately 3 times the diameter of a circle.
-Pre-requisite #2: Students should understand how the estimate for pre-requisite #1 is related to pi.
-Diameter = Circumference / 3.14

INSTRUCTIONS:
-Students collect the measure of the circumference of several trees.
-Students estimate diameter.
-Students determine the diameter of each tree measured using pi.

Copyright 2011Michael Lawson. All rights reserved.
Published by SparkMixer Enterprises, LLC

ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
How do I use what I know to obtain the area of surfaces outdoors?

GEORGIA STANDARD (5th Grade): Coming Soon

MATERIALS NEEDED:
100 ft. Measuring tape
5 ft measuring tape
Yardstick
Rulers

PREPARE AHEAD:
The teacher should tour the area that contains a variety of plane surfaces including circles, triangles, rectangles, and compound figures. Prepare a worksheet that lists those items for the students to measure.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1-Provide students with prepared worksheets.
2-Review Area formulas for the shapes.
3-Divide students into the appropriate number of groups.
4-Send one group to each surface on the list.
5-Students work for 7 to 10 minutes and then rotate to next surface on the list at the teachers signal.

Copyright 2011Michael Lawson. All rights reserved. Published by SparkMixer Enterprises, LLC
With thanks to Mrs. Kittie Ross for her assistance in developing this activity.