Measure and compare pencil lengths to the nearest 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 of an inch and analyze the data through line plots.

In this lesson, students begin understanding that measurement is inherently imprecise because it is limited by the accuracy of the tool at hand. They construct line plots by measuring the same objects using three different rulers accurate to 1/2 , 1/4, and 1/8 of an inch. Students compare the line plots to explain how changing accuracy of the unit measure affects the distribution of points.