Written by Elizabeth Hoover.

Mathematics is much more than numbers, formulas, and theories. It is a vital, fascinating part of our daily lives. Whether we’re hitting a grand slam, making chocolate chip cookies, or reading a science-fiction novel, math helps us understand and enjoy the world in which we live.



The Tall-Tale Math Series is a comprehensive resource that empowers students by helping them understand and utilize the fundamentals of mathematics. Highly creative story problems spark curiosity and help students appreciate math as a powerful tool for solving real-life questions.



In Part 4 of the series, Data and Measurement, students will explore the fundamental principles of algebra, including equations, variables, algebraic expressions, and probabilities.



Data and Measurement is divided into three useful sections:



Review Sheets contain easy-to-understand definitions and examples that clearly explain particular concepts, such as “The Metric System.” In addition to providing valuable practice exercises, the sheets can also serve as handy reference guides.


Skill-Builder Sheets present intriguing story problems that use humor, creativity, and mystery to engage students. Each sheet covers a specific concept, which is clearly labeled at the top of the page.



Extra-Practice Sheets are designed to add an additional challenge for students who have mastered the previous sheets. In addition to the basic concepts, students must use additional skills, such as measurement conversion, chart analysis, and selection of the most appropriate number form. These sheets give teachers the extra flexibility to tailor lessons based on grade level and ability.



Learning Objectives
Data and Measurement was designed to help instructors implement the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards. Aimed at students in grades 5 through 8, the sheets will help students meet the following specific objectives:

      • understanding and applying the metric system

      • converting customary units to metric units, and vice versa

      • working with units of measurement for length, weight, area, volume, and capacity

      • understanding and working with units of measurement for time and temperature

      • utilizing information presented in an information table

      • reading and applying information presented in line graphs

      • reading and applying information presented in bar graphs

      • reading and applying information presented in picture graphs

      • reading and applying information presented in circle graphs

      • connecting math to the world outside the classroom

      • using investigation and reasoning to solve problems


Grades 5–7. 



The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*: CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.1 

CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.A.,B 

CCSS.Math.Content.6.SP.A.,B 

CCSS.Math.Content.7.SP.A.,B 



Represent and interpret data. 

Solve problems involving measurement and conversion of measurements. 

Convert like measurement units within a given measurement system. 

Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units. 

Within a single system of measurement, express measurements in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. 

Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system and use these conversions in solving multi-step, real world problems. 

Use the four operations to solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects, and money, including problems involving simple fractions or decimals, and problems that require expressing measurements given in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. 

Represent measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that feature a measurement scale. 

Develop understanding of statistical variability. 

Summarize and describe distributions. 

Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population. 

Draw informal comparative inferences about two populations 



Grades 4 to 7.



*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers 

Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts 

Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. 

Copyright Date: 2010