1. Chapter 9 Measurement

2. Chapter Summary
This chapter emphasises the practical nature of measurement. We learn to measure by measuring.
The chapter introduces the big ideas of conservation and comparison
The chapter discusses the importance of being able to construct and read scales

3. Starting point
Write a list of as many measurements as you can that you have a good mental image of. For example you may have a clear image of how much ‘one pint’ is; or one metre.

4. Units of measurement Attribute SI Unit Abbreviation Imperial Units
Conversion
Length
Metre m
Inches, feet, yards, miles in ft yd
1in = 2.54cm
1ft = 0.3m
Mass
Kilogram kg
Ounces, pounds, stones oz lb st
1oz = 28.35g
1lb = 0.45kg
Time
Second s
Area
Square Metre m2
Square inches, acres
sq in
Volume
Cubic Metre m3
cubic inches, cubic feet
cu in
cu ft
Capacity
Litre l
Pints, gallons pt
gal
1pt = 0.56l

5. Conservation of area
Make as many different rectilinear shapes as you can with an area of 36 square units.
Write down the perimeters of these shapes.
What do you notice?

6. Misconceptions
Decide which of these statements are always true; which are sometimes true and which are never true.
If you double the dimensions of a rectangle you double its perimeter.
If you double the dimensions of a rectangle you double its area.
If you double the lengths of the sides of a rectangle, but leave the width the same, you double the area.
If you double the dimensions of a cuboid you double its volume.

7. Observing teaching measurement
Watch the video on the companion website which shows the lesson about ‘magical potions’. How might you adapt this lesson for use with pupils that you are currently teaching?