Mathematics of Measurement

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.

The trundle wheel gang

Enjoying some of the new maths equipment we bought through community fundraising money - thank you!