Lesson 3: Size Matters

Prepare for lesson:

• Review Life Size activity guide
• Print Life Size labels (3 sets per page)
• Supplies for each small group:
  • 1 set of the print out
  • Scissors
  • A large table or floor space to work

During the lesson:

• Ask class about the metric system.
  • What is the usefulness of the metric system when we talk about DNA?
  • Can they put the metric scale in order?
    • Meter
    • Decimeter
    • Centimeter
    • Millimeter
    • Micrometer
    • Nanometer
  • How many meters is each? Or vice versa?
• In small groups, youth cut out the labels.
• Have the groups guess the relative size of each label, ordering them from smallest to largest, either, working on a large table or on the floor.
• Select a few groups to share out. Did everyone have the same order?
• Give space for the class to think through the order, sharing their reasonings, till everyone is on the same page.
• Display the right order for them. Did they get it right?
• Ask them to space items relative to their size. Do they have enough space?
• Ask: what tools would be required to do work like this? Skills?