Week 11: Measurement

The Big Idea:

This weeks focus was on the concept of Measurement, which begins in the Foundation Year. Knowing measurements are essential to everyday life such as knowing money or time. There are clear links to number knowledge to spatial situations such as different measurements including: volume, area, length and angles. Measurement is crucial in problem solving and it also connects mathematics to with different curriculum areas (english, arts, science). There are 4 main steps in the sequence of measurement:

1. Identity the Attribute - introducing and understanding the concept, this involves use of children language and non standard traits to measure ( pens, phones, blocks- counting units). 
2. Appropriate unit of measurement for attribute being measured- firstly, the use of non-standard units for measurement and secondly, using standardise units of measurements ( rules cm/m or protractors) 
3. Measure the object using the chosen unit- apply the number concept, matching the unit of measurement to the object through counting, comparing, ordering or sequencing.  
4. Report the number of units- represent the data with numbers, graphs or pictures. 

Concepts, Skills and Strategy:

Concepts- Knowledge of counting is essential in measurement as they will need to know numbers and how to count before they attempt to measure. Counting unit measurements such as km,m,cm,mm, l as well as any other useful units of measurement.

Skills- A few basic skills needed when learning measurement besides knowledge of number and counting is knowing what is countable and what is not countable. Being able to record the count as well as write the numerals is also important as it is a part of the 4 main steps outlined above. The proper use of equipment such as scales, weights, measuring tape, ruler as well as other measuring devices is also crucial.

Strategy- In measurement is it important to have the knowledge of multiplication and the times tables. Another useful strategy in measurement is the knowledge of all formulas ( eg. perimeter = L xW)

Misconceptions:

A few misconceptions when it comes to measurement for children is that all measurements should be the same if the piece of paper is the same. However, this is not the case as there are different types of paper with different lengths therefore it can not be assumed at all pieces of paper have the same length and width. Making a direct comparison is also a misconception as items of different sizes does not necessarily mean that the item will be heavier, it may be the opposite and weigh lighter even though it is a bigger book.


Resources:

According to ACARA, under the heading Measurement and Geometry for the Foundation Year students need to be able to compare both objects directly against one another using metric units to measure and estimate. As well as this it states that the suitable language used during the Foundation Year are: heavy, heavier, holds more, holds less, tall and taller are just a few examples given by ACARA as to the children's language that is used when describing the measurement of objects. Furthermore, comparing and ordering durations of events is also useful in the Foundation Year students will need to know and identify the days of the week on the calendar using sequencing to familiarise themselves with time order.  


Sourced Teaching Strategy:


( Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8o7n-A0SC0)


Textbook Concept, Skills and Strategy:

The key ideas in measurement which are outlined in the textbook is that students start to explore the relationship between area and perimeter. Apply the concept and skills learnt in the pattern and relationship to find the result and lastly to create reasoning by explaining the possible solutions. According to the textbook measurement is can also be known as the notion for all concepts- number, pattern, geometry and data. Measurement can be brought into other subjects as it overlaps into many subjects. Measurement is known as a process in which a object is given a number to be associated with. As measurement is a process used in the " real world" it is important for children to measure objects outside of classroom materials, they will also need to develop their estimation skills as well as further develop their number sense ( Reys, R. 2012). Overall, measurement is crucial in their mathematical understanding as it is brought further into the context of the real world and it is for this reason and others that it should be taught in the Foundation Year.

References: 

Introduction to Nonstandard Measurement for Kids: Using Paper Clips to Measure. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8o7n-A0SC0

Jamieson-Proctor, R. (2019). Learning Environment Online: Log in to the site. Retrieved from https://leo.acu.edu.au/mod/book/view.php?id=2406594&chapterid=190032

Mathematics. (2019). Retrieved from https://australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/mathematics/?year=11751&year=11752&strand=Number+and+Algebra&strand=Measurement+and+Geometry&capability=ignore&capability=Literacy&capability=Numeracy&capability=Information+and+Communication+Technology+%28ICT%29+Capability&capability=Critical+and+Creative+Thinking&capability=Personal+and+Social+Capability&capability=Ethical+Understanding&capability=Intercultural+Understanding&priority=ignore&priority=Aboriginal+and+Torres+Strait+Islander+Histories+and+Cultures&priority=Asia+and+Australia’s+Engagement+with+Asia&priority=Sustainability&elaborations=true&elaborations=false&scotterms=false&isFirstPageLoad=false

Reys, R. (2017). Helping children learn mathematics (2nd ed., pp. 558,583,607). Milton, Qld: Wiley.