MP5: Use appropriate tools strategically.

This task asks the student to determine the correct tool and unit for making measurements. Math standard 5 states that "students consider the available tools when solving a mathematical problem." In the task, student must determine the best tool to make measurements in the living room based on their knowledge of the tools and their schema of common living room items. Units are also an important piece of information to consider when making measurements. Given its size, a wall is more appropriately measured in feet than inches, especially when purchasing paint that gives coverage in square feet. The standard also says, "...make sound decisions about when each of these tools might be helpful, recognizing both the insight to be gained and their limitations." The answers to this task could vary from student to student since each measurement tool and unit has its limitations and students may interpret those limitations differently.

This task may be difficult for students who are not familiar with the tools or the items in the living room scenario. It can also be challenging to visualize the correct units needed to measure the items.

This task might be more engaging if students were given a variety of measurement tools and the task of measuring items in the classroom and at their homes. This would provide students with hands-on experience with the tools, their benefits and drawbacks, and familiarity with the units. This activity could be extended by asking students to create a scale drawing of the major items in the classroom. The extension could be completed as a class, in small groups, or individually based on the students' skill level.