Discuss the length of a medium-sized tanker like the Exxon Valdez. Measure the size of the Exxon Valdez outside your school and mark its size on the pavement to show to other students. Ask students to brainstorm various possible measuring strategies. Students simply lay the string down, making sure to accurately mark and record the number of times they step and repeat. As an example, using a 100-foot length, it would be necessary to step and repeat 10 times to lay out the distance of 1,000 feet.
Students can also measure the distance of their average stride.
As an example, the stride of an adult is close to 3 feet. Allow students the opportunity to determine their stride and then check for accuracy with a predetermined distance. See if the students can determine the scale for themselves first. The largest oil tanker in the world, the Seawise Giant, is 1504 feet long. The 50-yard dash is a popular event in school track and field events.