What Is Measurement?
Measurement tells us the size, weight, or amount of something. We can measure in standard units, such as inches and pounds, using tools like rulers and scales. We can also measure using non-standard units, such as figuring out the length of a stick by lining up paper clips on the floor next to it.
Why Is Learning About Measurement Important?
People measure things every day: For example, “How far is the walk to school? How much flour do I need to make a cake?” Some areas of math and science use measurement to solve problems. Knowing standard units and how they are related helps us communicate about the things we measure.
What Do Children Need to Know About Measurement?
- What to measure and why: To know if a toy will fit inside a box, we measure the length, width, and height, but not the weight.
- What kind of units to use: Children need to know whether big units, like their hands, or small units, like Legos, are more useful to measure a given object and to use the same unit to complete a single measurement (for example, they can’t use hands and Legos at the same time).
- How to measure: Children need to know how to use measurement units and tools to get an accurate answer. For example, when measuring a toy, they must line up the tool with the edge of the toy and make sure there are no gaps or overlapping parts.
- Sometimes measurements are not exact: Help children understand this by drawing attention to approximate measurements: “Your shoe is about 5-½ inches long.”