Estimation and Measurement: Looking at the Blue Whale

Summary
This math estimation and measurement lesson consists of an article about the blue whale to be read individually and then discussed in groups, facilitated by the teacher.

Objectives
• The children will be able to read the article with comprehension and participate in a discussion involving size and distance.

• The children will be able to utilize prior knowledge of estimation strategies

• The children will be able to practice measurement skills, using standard units.

Suggested Grades
3rd Grade
4th Grade

Excerpt
Blue whales are probably the largest creatures ever to have lived on earth. They are even bigger than T-Rex! They can grow to a length of about 85 feet but the largest ever recorded measured 108 feet. Can you imagine how big this is?

Blue whales are found in all the oceans of the world. They are called blue whales because they look light blue when they are just below the surface of the ocean on a sunny day, but actually they are usually light grey and white, with a mottled pattern which is unique to each whale, just as your fingerprints are unique to you.

Continued...