Sectors of Math - Distance Measurement (Factual part)

In this distance measurement sector of math, it is not limited to only distance only.

The title serves to implies measurement of anything using distance for mental effect.

Why is measurement important to math education?

Firstly, measurement involves planning of what to measure and how to measure.
Secondly, it involves the selection of a suitable unit of measurement and tools of measurement.

These are skills needed for good math analysis and math question / problem solving. The logical and systematical steps involved in measurement can be directly applied to solving math questions.

Measurement item in this post means anything from length, time, angle, colour parameter, volume, weight and other physical properties. It is a way for math learners to relate measured data to the real world.

This measurement sector in math education allows learners to have a perspective of objects and their dimension.

They will be able to (as examples):

a) feel for themselves how hot is the water (temperature),
b) how big is the bench (length),
c) how long must they wait (time),
d) how deep must they dig a well (depth),
e) how fast must they run (speed), and
f) how big is the petrol tank (capacity, volume)

To enhance the skills in measurement sector of math education, below are some suggestions:

1) Involves the learners with daily chores like preparing materials for cooking (volumes learning)
2) Preparing a dinning table for food (layout planning given size of plates)
3) Time keeping for some activities like watching television
4) Taking and recording weight of people for a period of time (for weight control understanding)5) Building a project, example, chair or table (length measurements)
6) Troubleshooting an electronic circuit (electrical parameter measurement)
7) Playing games that involves comparing sizes (like fitting wooden pegs into targets)
8.) Discussing methods of measurement and the tools or equipment needed
9) Art and craft exercises where cutting and placement are involved
10) Checking for tolerance in items measured ( small scale unit )

In the above activities, type of measurement tools are part of the learning objectives.

What are the tools used for measuring?

Is it a slide ruler, try-square, protractor, string, container, electronic meter or a weighting machine?

Let them know the tools available for the measurement and what measurement units these tools give (centimetre, litre, amperes, degree, etc)

All these are part of the important math skills that we, as parent or math teacher, can train them for the sole purpose of mastering math.

They will see the significant of math in those applications mentioned above. And I wish to say this math sector is the easiest to pick up as it is directly linked to many daily activities. Students will fine this exercise fun and enjoyable.

For an overview of other related math sectors, click Numerous Sectors of Math for more details.

:-)
.