This is a level 3 measurement activity from the Figure It Out theme series.
A PDF of the student activity is included.
Click on the image to enlarge it. Click again to close. Download PDF (389 KB)
measure distances using a ruler or tape measures
use problem solviing strategies to arrange seating positions
A classmate
A metre ruler or a tape measure
Students at years 5 and 6 will probably need about 80 centimetres of space, including elbow room. This means that 10 students could be seated at each table.
If each student is allowed 1 metre of space, including elbow room, only eight people can be seated at each table.
For question 2, students are best to model the problem by writing the names on tabs and moving them around a circle as they consider each clue.
There are several possible solutions based on variations of the third clue. Other possibilities are:
With the eight-person seating problems that students devise for one another, encourage them to develop clues that give only one solution. These problems will need to be trialled with other classmates.
Answers to Activity
1. Answers will vary. Eight per table would allow for generous elbow room. Ten per table would still be reasonable.
2. a. A possible solution: going clockwise around the table, Fatu, Allan, Connie,
Waiārani, Eric, and Mae Li
b. Answers will vary.