Did you know?
One of the important aspects of measurement is the use of a unit. In the metric system for linear measurement, the unit is meters because everything is relative to the meter like centimeter, kilometer and so on. Building an understanding that a unit is a uniform size is important in understanding how measuring works.
What you need
- Tongue depressors (Popsicle sticks also work well) Glue
- Noodles (spiral or macaroni work well)
- Objects to measure
- Markers or crayons
- Paper and pencil
What to do
- Choose something to measure. Lay out noodles next to it to find out how many noodles long is it.
- Create a “Noodle Ruler” (see attached document).
- Measure the same object you measured earlier with your new ruler. Is it easier?
- Find some other objects to measure: Estimate how many noodles long the objects will be when measured with your “noodle ruler.” Record your estimate.
- Measure the objects with your “noodle ruler.”
- Compare your estimate to your measurement.
- Record your measurements.
What to ask
- Does it matter if there are spaces in between the noodles on your ruler?
- What if the units on your ruler are not are not all the same size?
- What if the object you are measuring is just a little more or less than a noodle?
- How do you measure objects bigger than your ruler?
What’s next?
- Make another ruler using a different unit. Compare your measurements from each ruler. Which ruler do you think would give the most accurate measurements?
- Figure out how to make your ruler more accurate.
- Make up a measuring system based on your units. What will you use in your system to measure very small things? Long distances?