4th Graders Flex Their Measurement Muscles

Fourth grade recently wrapped up the engaging Muffles’ Truffles unit in Grace Crowell’s math class, a hands-on exploration of the U.S. Customary and Metric Systems. In this whimsical scenario, students helped Muffles the baker convert recipes for different-sized batches of truffles. When Muffles got too busy in his shop, his partner Patricio was often left with incomplete conversion charts—leaving students to fill in the gaps!

To crack the case, students had to understand that smaller units result in larger numerical values and that larger units can be broken down into fractional parts. They explored how equivalent measurements can be exchanged, and used place value patterns to multiply and divide by powers of ten. Their mathematical detective work helped save the day in Muffles’ kitchen.

Students applied models like the double number line and ratio table to support their understanding of unitizing and proportional reasoning. They also used all four operations to solve real-world problems involving time intervals, distances, volumes, mass, money, fractions, and decimals.

As a fun capstone to the unit, students tested their measurement skills during a shot put challenge on the field—recording the mass of the ball, the distance thrown in meters, and water consumed in liters. Thanks to PE teacher and coach Cathal for the pro tips on perfect form!

The class also enjoyed a visit from Middle School math teacher Dave Baker, who introduced them to Mathletes, an extracurricular club for aspiring mathematicians. He even led a friendly challenge alongside their 6th grade buddy bears.

Next up: the Field Trips and Fundraisers unit, where students will deepen their understanding of fractions—comparing, composing, decomposing, and performing operations with both simple and mixed numbers.