In this unit students complete a number of practical measurement investigations, with an emphasis on accurate measurement and communication of findings.
- Plan a mathematical investigation in a group.
- Take measurements to make calculations to complete an investigation.
- Interpret the accuracy of the investigation.
Measuring allows us to make a comparison between what is being measured and a suitable measurement unit. Central to the development of measuring skills is lots of practical measuring experience. Also important is the reality that measurement is never exact. As measurement involves continuous quantities, even the most careful measurements are only approximations.
An analysis of the process of measuring suggests that there are five successive stages. Students learn to measure by first becoming aware of the physical attributes of objects and therefore perceiving what is to be measured. Once students have perceived a property to be measured, they can compare object by matching. This comparison leads to the need for a non-standard measurement unit (e.g. everyday objects). The use of these informal units leads to the need for standard units for better precision and unambiguous communication.
This sequence is quite general and can apply to the measurement of any attribute. In fact, we believe that one of the broad aims of teaching about measurement is to help students develop an overall picture for coping with any measurement situation.
The investigations in this unit of work require the students to both use and apply standard metric measures. The students are also required to justify the level of accuracy appropriate for each investigation.
The learning opportunities in this unit can be differentiated by providing or removing support to students, and by varying the task requirements. Ways to support students include:
- providing extended opportunities for students to practise measuring skills and the calculation of percentages,
- providing prompts for writing communicative statements
- varying the size and complexity of the numbers used in each problem
- modelling the calculation of percentages and the measurement of different quantities
- strategically organising students into pairs and small groups in order to encourage peer learning, scaffolding, and extension
- working alongside individual students (or groups of students) who require further support with specific areas of knowledge or activities.
The context for this unit can be adapted to suit the interests and experiences of your students. For example, you might frame the 5 mathematical investigations described in this unit, in a more relevant context (such as around a school camp, local building, marae trip). Consider how links can be made to students' cultural backgrounds, and to their learning from other curriculum areas.
Te reo Māori kupu such as ine (measure) and ōrau (percent) could be introduced in this unit and used throughout other mathematical learning.
- Measuring tools (e.g. long measuring tapes, trundler wheels).
Session 1
Investigation 1: The principal wants to use the mathematics classroom for an assembly for the year group (choose a group of about 300 – 400 students). Investigate whether all the students and staff would fit in the room. This is a good activity to begin with as students can line up in both dimensions and count the number that would fit. You could adapt this context to increase its relevance to your students.
- Allow the students time to think about and plan ways to investigate the problem
- Discuss possible strategies.
What measurements could you take to help complete this investigation?
What measurement tools could you use in this investigation?
What calculations would you do to complete this investigation?
How many people fit across the room’s width?
How many people fit along the room’s length?
Could you solve the problem by calculating area or volume? - Allow students to choose a strategy to solve the problem and work in small groups or individually.
- Ask the students to write up their investigation and share their findings with other groups or with the class.
- Discuss the accuracy of their answers.
Why are there a range of answers?
What range of numbers would be acceptable?
Will the chosen group fit into the classroom based on the range of acceptable numbers?
Session 2
Investigation 2: The school is installing a computer network system. The new cable for this is to be laid in the mathematics classroom, from the ceiling in one corner to the skirting board in the diagonally opposite corner. The cable cannot be laid diagonally across the floor, but must be attached to the walls or ceiling. Investigate the most economical path for the cable.
- Allow the students to investigate the problem. Ensure that all students understand what is being asked of them.
- Discuss possible strategies.
What path would you choose?
How do you know that is the shortest path?
What units are appropriate for your measurements?
What measurement tools could you use in this investigation?
What units do tradesmen use? - Allow students to carry out their strategy either individually or in small groups.
- Discuss the accuracy of their answers.
What range of cable length would be appropriate? - Provide time for students to write up their investigation.
Which path is the most economical for the cable?
Session 3
Investigation 3: Discuss how many windows there are in the room with the students. Ask them to investigate what percentage of the walls are made up of windows.
- Allow the students to investigate the problem.
- Discuss possible strategies.
What measurements do you need to take?
What measurement tools could you use in this investigation?
Which measurements are needed for the windows?
Which measurements are needed for the walls?
What units will be most appropriate? - Support students to draw diagrams of each window, wall, and so on, showing the measurements.
- Ensure students show all calculations.
What range of percentages would be acceptable? - Provide time for students to write up their investigation
- Discuss strategies for improving the accuracy of the calculations, and discuss rounding.
Session 4
Investigation 4: Discuss the size of the room with the students. Ask them to investigate how much space each person in the class has.
- Allow the students to investigate the problem.
- Discuss possible strategies.
What measurements do you need to take?
What measurement tools could you use in this investigation?
What units will be the most appropriate? - Support students to draw a diagram of the room, showing the measurements, and show all calculations.
What range of answers would be acceptable? - Provide time for students to write up their investigation.
- Discuss strategies for improving the accuracy of the calculations, and discuss rounding.
Session 5
Investigation 5: The school is to begin some landscaping on a piece of ground outside the mathematics classroom. The area needs to be dug out to a depth of 16cm, then covered with a layer of fine gravel 3cm deep for drainage, a 5cm layer of sand and then a 10cm layer of wood chips. The school trailer will be used to shift the soil to another part of the school grounds, and to bring in the gravel, sand and woodchips. How many trailer loads of soil need to be removed, and how many trailer loads of gravel, sand and woodchips will be required? (Choose an area that would require at least 4 trailer loads of soil to be removed. Depending on the ability of the students either a simple shape or a complex shape could be chosen. You may like to send the students to the local landscape supplies to check out quantities and prices, and add a costing element to the investigation).
- Allow the students to plan the investigation.
- Discuss possible strategies.
What measurements will you need to take?
What measurement tools could you use in this investigation?
What units will be the most appropriate? - Support students to draw a diagram of the area, showing the measurements, and to show all calculations.
What range of answers would be acceptable? - Provide time for students to write up their investigation.
- Discuss strategies for improving the accuracy of the calculations, and discuss rounding.
Dear families and whānau,
We have been carrying out practical measurement investigations, with an emphasis on practising accurate measurement and clearly communicating our findings. Ask your child to share their learning with you.