Measure the diameter of an M&M candy. Then calculate distances to familiar places in terms of the numbers of M&Ms required to cover the distances. This activity will allow you to start associating a familiar size to larger distances, and to begin thinking in terms of big numbers. This will prepare you to manipulate the actual numbers involved in exploring the Universe.
The diameter of an M&M is ____ cm. So, if you to want to lay them end to end and cover the following distances, how many candies would you need?
|
Object |
Distance |
# M&Ms |
|
Height of Average Man |
183 cm |
|
|
NCAA Collegiate Basketball Court Length |
28.6512 m |
|
|
San Francisco to New York City |
4,100 km |
|
|
Earth to Moon |
384,402 km |
|
|
Diameter of Sun |
1,400,000 km |
If you know scientific notation, how would you rewrite the number of M&Ms needed to cover the distance form San Francisco to New York City, the distance from teh Earth to the Moon, or to cross the diameter of the Sun?
|
San Francisco to New York City |
4,100 km |
|
|
Earth to Moon |
384,402 km |
|
|
Diameter of Sun |
1,400,000 km |