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August 30, 2005
Math Lesson # 4 - Crikey It's Enormous
The metric system is used in Indonesia so to create a sense of
dimensions when researching Komodo dragons, it is helpful to know how to
calculate the difference between metric and standard units of measure. To
convert meters to feet, multiply by 3.8, i.e., 5 meters=16.4 feet. To
convert kilograms to pounds, multiply by 2.21, i.e., 3 kg=6.63 lbs.
The following are some interesting dragon facts which illustrate both the
metric and standard system of measure.
1. Of all monitor lizards, the ora lays the largest eggs-up to 12 cm long
and weighing around 200 g. The female lays 20-30 eggs which hatch 9 months
later.
2. Males outnumber females on the islands by a ratio of 3.4 to one. There
has been a decline on Komodo from 3336 dragons in 1990 to about 1600 in
1996.
3. The largest recorded specimen of a Komodo dragon was in excess of 3m long
and weighed a mammoth 150 kg! Most adults are about 2 meters and weigh
around 60 kg.
Lesson Activities:
a.. Read the Science Blog on Komodo dragons to discover facts about the
size and weight of these giant lizards. Convert the metric measurements in
these two articles to standard measure.
b.. Construct a life size model of the Komodo dragon for display in your
class. Check for accuracy in your measurements. You'll need lots of space!
Posted by barb at August 30, 2005 4:25 AM
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