Stage a popcorn race for exercise and measurement fun.
Students
race, relay, field day, popcorn, measurement, team, cooperation, cooperative
In this relay game, students work cooperatively as members of a team to "transport" as much popcorn as possible to the finish line. The instructions below offer several variations. This fun activity is a great way to get some exercise. It is best done outdoors, since it can get messy.
Arrange students into teams. Teams should have an equal number of members, if possible; however, that is not essential.
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Set up another spot at the other end of the playing area where there is an empty container for each team.
At the start of the race, the first student on each team will fill the teams cup with popcorn. He or she will race to the opposite end of the playing area and pour the popcorn into the empty container. Then he or she will run back to their team and pass the cup off to the next player in line; that player will repeat the action by filling, running, pouring, and returning. Set a time limit -- for example, 5 minutes -- and play until time runs out.
At the end of the game, which team has more popcorn in its container? You might let students determine how to measure who won. They might
Variation on the Race
A fun variation for students in grades 3 and up: Give each student a paper cup, a rubber band, and a paper clip. Have them poke a hole in the bottom of the cup and push the end of the rubber band through the hole in the bottom of the cup. Attach the paper clip to the end of the rubber band that is inside the cup; that will prevent the rubber band from slipping through the hole. Students will fill the cup with popcorn, then stretch the rubber band over their shoe. The challenge is not to spill all the popcorn that is balanced in the cup on their shoe as they race to the other end of the playing area.
Did students follow instructions and work/play cooperatively as a member of a team?
EducationWorld.com
Gary Hopkins
MATHEMATICS: Measurement
GRADES Pre-K - 2
NM-MEA.PK-2.1 Understand Measurable Attributes of Objects and the Units, Systems, and Processes of Measurement
NM-MEA.PK-2.2 Apply Appropriate Techniques, Tools, and Formulas to Determine Measurements
GRADES 3 - 5
NM-MEA.3-5.1 Understand Measurable Attributes of Objects and the Units, Systems, and Processes of Measurement
NM-MEA.3-5.2 Apply Appropriate Techniques, Tools, and Formulas to Determine Measurements
GRADES 6 - 8
NM-MEA.6-8.1 Understand Measurable Attributes of Objects and the Units, Systems, and Processes of Measurement
NM-MEA.6-8.2 Apply Appropriate Techniques, Tools, and Formulas to Determine Measurements
GRADES 9 - 12
NM-MEA.9-12.1 Understand Measurable Attributes of Objects and the Units, Systems, and Processes of Measurement
NM-MEA.9-12.2 Apply Appropriate Techniques, Tools, and Formulas to Determine Measurements
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH: Physical Education
GRADES K - 12
NPH.K-12.3 Physical Activity
NPH.K-12.6 Respect for Others
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11/17/2006