Measurement
We have been studying measurement in math. 
Our Learning Goals for this unit are to:


- Explore strategies for using non-standard and standard units to measure and compare length, mass, capacity, temperature and time
- Use measurement terms to as we conduct investigations in measurement
(short, tall, heavy, light, long, big, small)


We began by investigating linear measurement around the classroom and focused on just a few rules:
Start at an edge
Line up objects on again the next


Here are students exploring in the classroom:

"The sandbox lid is 19 cars long."

 Challenge: How long of a snake can you make with playdough?

Measuring the length of the puzzle with straws.

"The dino is 13 cubes long."


Once we had some practice with these tasks we explored a few more measurement rules. We discussed how we choose objects to use when we measure.

We tried to measure a block with shoes that were a variety of sizes.  Students explained that it didn't make sense when we use objects that were different lengths and we agreed it's important for objects to be the same size if we are going to use them to measure.

"The block is 3 shoes long." Much better!

We also agreed that when we measure we need to line up objects in a straight line.

We took advantage of a sunny day last week and went outside to see what we could find to measure in the playground.

Measuring the length of the fence in footsteps.

Measuring the height of our chalk outlines with mega blocks.

Measuring the width of the playground with hulahoops.

Making a starting line to measure distance travelled.

After spending time exploring measurement we made a chart of our Learning Goals and Success Criteria for students to refer to as they continue to investigate measurement.

We are also investigated other ways to measure.  A group of students enjoys using snapcubes to make their own beyblades.  We got some stopwatches and timed how long the beyblades can spin.

We use balance scales to explore mass and experiment to compare objects using the terms heavy and light. 

As always, we just can't resist sneaking some writing into activities!  Students use our chart of Success Criteria to refer to so they can draw and write about their findings.  Writing is really beginning to flourish in many JKs, and referring to word lists and charts to label work is a great tool to help developing writers communicate their thinking in writing.

You can support your child's learning at home by looking at the pictures and asking them to tell you (in full sentences!) what is going on.  If you are doing anything at home that requires measurement ask them for help.  For example, "will the bed fit if we move it to the other side of the room?  How can we find out".  Look at things around the house that are different sizes and encourage them to use measurement language to explain what they see.