Discuss growth in your classroom
How do we measure growth?
Please use these questions to help us understand students' thinking and also to help students connect growth with their own experiences.

How have you and your family measured your growth?
Gather as many ideas as possible. Each student has experience with charting their own growth in some way. Here are some examples:

• Lines on the wall
• Photographs
• Check-ups at a doctor's office
• Hand-me downs or getting new clothes
• Comparing with past size or other kids
• Relatives' comments

Why do we measure growth?

What things affect growth?

• Genetics
• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Illness
• Bad health choices

Measure your Femur
Many scientists study the bones of animals. Curator Kristi Curry Rogers studies dinosaur bones to understand growth. Watch an interview with Dr. Rogers about her research and how she uses math.

Students gather data about their own femur lengths and femur lengths of family members to investigate the relationship of age and size of femur.

Measure Your Femur (PDF file).
Hunt for Ratios (PDF file).
Similar Triangles (PDF file).
How Tall is the Flagpole? (PDF file).
Metric Measurement (PDF file).

When data collection by students is complete, have students enter their data online.

How do paleontologists record their findings?
Students will use a map at the museum to find the specimens they will measure. Paleontologists use maps with grids to record their dig site discoveries.

Use this Grid Game to help students learn more about using grids and maps.