Prep Bulletin
Measuring
Learning Intention: To use counting strategies to measure
Learning Experience Overview:
In this learning experience, students were developing their counting strategies through exploring measurement with different informal units.
Whole:
As a class, we had a look at some examples of Olympic throwing events. We discussed how far the Olympians could throw them, and the teacher introduced the idea of a record. For example, a recent Olympic record for throwing the discus was about 70 adult strides.
We used the Measuring Anchor Chart to explore different ways to accurately measure. Then the teacher asked the class:
- How far do you think you can throw a beanbag? How many steps would that be?
- What would your estimate be? (Mathematicians use what they already know to make a guess!)
Small:
Students participated in the ‘Prep Olympics!’ Each student was given a recording sheet to record:
- How far can you throw a beanbag? (number of steps)
- How far can you jump with two feet? (number of steps)
- How long can you bounce a ball? (number of bounces)
The teacher modelled ways to accurately measure using the informal unit of their steps and bouncing a ball. Then it was the students’ turn.
Whole:
Throughout the lesson, we discussed what students noticed about their results:
- Was this way of measuring effective? Why?
- How can we make sure we measure more accurately?
- How did your real throw compare with your estimate?
In this learning experience, students are working towards:
- Using different counting strategies
- Accurately measuring an object
- Using informal units of measurement
- Evaluating the effectiveness of different ways of measuring
What you can do now to continue the learning at home from this experience:
- Discuss different counting strategies
- Discuss how to measure accurately (lining up with the bottom of the object, no gaps between the units of measurement, lining the units up straight)
- Using different informal units of measurement and measuring objects around your house
- Comparing the length of objects
Alyssa, Ruby and Julian
Prep Team
Alyssa.Thermos@education.vic.gov.au