#1275. Metric Estimation Game

Science, level: Middle
Posted Sat Aug 28 11:26:40 PDT 1999 by Marti Andreski (chemnerd2@aol.com).
Duluth High School, Duluth, GA USA
Materials Required: 1 balance, 1 meter stick, 1 graduated cylinder, assorted items to measure
Activity Time: 20-30 minutes
Concepts Taught: Helps to make the Metric System more familiar

Metric Estimation Game
(this game is played like the TV Game show "The Price Is Right")

1. Divide the class into 4 teams
2. One representative from each team stands at the board with chalk and a paper taped to the board which covers up the team member's answer until it is called for
3. Teacher selects an item to estimate. (ie: mass of pen, height of door frame, volume of liquid in coffee cup) and has contestants guess the metric quantity. Team members who are still sitting at their seats can shout out numbers to help the contestants.
4. The contestant coming closest stays up for round 2 while other contestants are replaced by new team members. Team which "goes through" the fewest contestants WINS a bonus point.

WHY I LOVE THIS:
a) everybody has seen the game show; the rules are easy
b) you get to teach the proper use of the meter stick, balance, and graduated cylinder AT THE SAME TIME
c) the second and third time you do the same type of measurement (ie: mass a second or third item) you will be surprised how much better they get at it
d) it's fun! they don't want to stop!

I have presented this game at Science Teacher Conventions since the early 1980's. It's always popular!

If you have any questions or comments, please email me at chemnerd2@aol.com and write Metrics Game in the subject. (I don't open mail I don't recognize!)