Informal units of measurements

Activity - Name of Activity

Estimating distances

Estimated Time

1 hour

Materials/ Resources needed

Materials/ Resources needed : Sticks, ropes, writing pad, pencil.

Prerequisites/Instructions, if any

1.They should have the ability to measure and document their findings accurately.

Process (How to do the activity)

1. The teacher can ask the students to determine the distances of library, principal's room, playground, dining hall, entrance gate from their classroom using various non-standard measuring methods.
   
2. The children can decide which method to use - whether foot, sticks or ropes.
   
3. The task can be done in groups of 3 children.
   
4. Document and compare the results.
   
5. Discuss regarding the length of distance.
   
6. Reiterate that it is very important to use same measuring modes to facilitate comparisons.

Developmental Questions (What discussion questions)

1. Which point would we mark as the point of reference for measuring our classroom.
   
2. Similarly what are the points of reference for other places.
   
3. How do we mark them.
   
4. Which measuring unit have you chosen?
   
5. How will you document the findings?
   
6. How can we tabulate our findings on board for comparisons?
   
7. What would be our report back time?
   
8. What are our findings?
   
9. What conclusions can we draw?
   

Evaluation (Questions for assessment of the child)

What have we learnt so far about measuring object?

Question Corner

1. How can we measure curves?
   
2. What are the problems with non-standard measuring units?
   
3. Can we think of methods to measure so that measures taken by anyone would always be same for a given object or distance.

Activity Keywords

point of reference,findings,comparisons,conclusions.

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