Measuring with Nā Anakahi
Learn about Native Hawaiian units of measurement.
Overview
Students learn how ancient Hawaiian people used parts of their bodies to measure things, and compare the anakahi system to our Standard US units of measurement.
Materials
Goals
Objectives
Common Core State Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
Materials
Vocabulary Lesson
Computer or other device with speakers
Math Concepts Lesson
- Computer or other device with speakers
Exploration Activity
- Computer or other device with speakers
Discovery Lesson
- Nā Anakahi Table of Reference
- “Measure Hunt” PowerPointPresentation
- ruler, yard stick, or tape measure
Goals
- Learn the Native Hawaiians units of measurement using different parts of the body.
- Learn about and compare US units of measurement.
- Compare units of measurements with in the anakahi measuring system.
- Play a game to solidify understanding of each anakahi unit.
- Measure the dimensions of objects using Hawaiian and standardized systems of measurement.
- Understand that standardized systems were created to alleviate discrepancies that arise when using the body to make measurements.
Objectives
- Identify and recall the names of Native Hawaiian units of measurement;
- Play a game to help students memorize the different Native Hawaiian units of measurements;
- Compare inches, feet, and yards;
- Estimate lengths using objects other than measuring tools;
- Identify and recall the names of Native Hawaiian units of measurement;
- Sort objects based on length;
- Use measuring tape, rulers, and/or yardsticks to measure the dimensions of objects;
- Convert from one unit of measurement to another.
Common Core State Standards
2.MD.A.1
Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.
2.MD.A.2
Measure the length of an object twice, using length units of different lengths for the two measurements; describe how the two measurements relate to the size of the unit chosen.
Next Generation Science Standards
3-PS2-1
Science investigations use a variety of methods, tools, and techniques.
Math Concepts Lesson
Learn about the US standard system of measurement and how to convert units of measurement.
STEM
Exploration Activity
Think about which anakahi are appropriate to use for a variety of objects both ancient and modern.
Discovery Lesson
Go on a scavenger hunt to measure objects around you using Hawaiian and US standardized units of measurement.