The Mathematics of Measurement
Developing skills and understandings of
measurement concepts enable us to quantify the world around us. The ability to
use measuring tools, rulers, thermometers, scales, and to estimate with these
tools are skills for life.
Measurement also provides links between
strands of mathematics. For example, it provides a rich and meaningful context
for the use of number skills and of spatial concepts, as well as provides links
between mathematics and other learning domains. Measuring skills, especially
estimating, have an important place in many games and sports. In addition to
being required in many science investigations they also play a part in some
artistic and musical experiences.
This term, the students have been inquiring
into the measurement of Volume. We
investigated a classic, rather famous problem in mathematics. You take a piece of paper, fold it this way
into a ‘tall’ cylinder or this way into a ‘squat’ cylinder. Which cylinder has the greatest volume or do
they both have the same? Using concrete
materials to explore the problem, then building to further analysis using
simulation technology, the students came to realise the importance of the base
area and to develop formulas.
Building on from this, workshops and toolboxes are focusing on measurement concepts of capacity, mass, perimeter, area, and angles, together with continued emphasis on Number and problem solving.
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| The trundle wheel gang |
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| Enjoying some of the new maths equipment we bought through community fundraising money - thank you! |
