Year 2 exploring methods of measurement

Children learn using a variety of different methods.

Some children learn using their visual or auditory senses. Others learn by practically experiencing a situation. Research has shown that children cope far better with abstract thinking, if they have first physically experienced and manipulated concrete objects.

So, to that end, our Year 2 students participated in a measuring exercise, using their hand spans, forearms and feet as measurement ‘tools’. There was much excitement as they worked in pairs measuring objects in the classrooms and outside. They then cataloged their findings in writing,  concluding that there were so many differences in the data they collected, that these non-standard units of measure would not be reliable.

One student mentioned that if he used the ‘hand span method’ to create building specifications for the height of the classroom door, the door to the classroom would be built too small. After all, his hands are smaller than that of an adult’s.

This experiment led us to the explanation of a standard unit of measure, which they all agreed was far more reliable!

 

Mrs Kim Coetzer
Year 2 Teacher