Module 5 Measuring
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Can I read a variety of partially labelled scales and explain how I know what each unlabelled division represents?

Example review questions

  • What measurement is marked by the arrow if:
    • A = 1 kg and B = 2 kg
    • A = 3.5 m and B = 4 m
    • A = 300 ml and B = 400 ml
    • A = 3:30 pm and B = 4:30 pm?
    A and B shown as points on a line with an up arrow in the middle of it
  • If a scale represents 1 kg to 2 kg and there are 4 unlabelled, equally spaced divisions, what does each unlabelled division represent? Draw a sketch to illustrate your answer.
  • 1/4 of a litre of liquid is poured out of this jug. How much liquid would be left in the jug? Write this in ml. Write this in litres. Mark the new level onto the jug.
    Half litre measuring jug showing liquid just over the 300 millilitre point

Teaching guidance

This teaching guidance document suggests some of the key vocabulary, models, images and practical equipment that children should experience and be able to use. It also includes some teaching tips to provide a few starting points for ways of supporting children with this area of mathematics.

PDF file Teaching guidance: Can I read a variety of partially labelled scales and explain how I know what each unlabelled division represents? | 129KB new window

Consolidation and practice

These resources are to support children in guided or independent work. Roll over the highlighted resources for a description.

PDF file How to use measuring cylinder ITP | 171KB new window

SWF file Measuring cylinder ITP | 50KB new window

PDF file How to use measuring scales ITP | 151KB new window

SWF file Measuring scales ITP | 67KB new window

XLS file Counting stick with further options spreadsheet | 246KB new window

DOC file Scales matching game | 61KB new window

Visit the nrich website new window for further activities to support practice and application.

Measuring cylinder

itp_measuring_cylinder.png

This interactive teaching program (ITP) is an ICT-based tool to support the exploration of number, measures and problem solving. Measuring cylinder ITP allows the child or teacher to simulate varying intervals on a scale, pouring liquid into the cylinder and interpreting the scale. The ITP can be used to explore and consolidate the interpretation and reading of scales, mental calculation strategies and methods of recording.

Measuring scales

itp_measuring_scales.png

This interactive teaching program (ITP) is an ICT-based tool to support the exploration of number, measures and problem solving. Measuring scales ITP allows the child or teacher to add different masses of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 units to a scale pan. The scale intervals can be changed to challenge children to interpret different scales.

Opportunities to use and apply

Possible contexts include:

  • Practical measuring activities, e.g. Find the average weight of an apple.
  • Word problems, e.g. The flour on the scales came from a
    1 kg bag of flour. How many grams are left in the bag?
    Measuring scales with flour being weighed.
  • PE, e.g. Measure how far you can throw a ball over a series of PE lessons. Plot this on a graph and use this to describe your progress.
  • Data handling, e.g. The graph shows how a liquid's temperature changes over time. Read from the graph how many minutes it takes for the temperature to reach 40°C. Read from the graph how many minutes the temperature is above 60°C.
    Graph plotting temperature on the Y axis and time in minutes on the X axis.

Confirming learning

Ask probing questions such as:

  • On the scale, mark in some divisions that will help you to mark more accurately the positions of 35 cm and 13 cm. Explain your methods.
    Horizontal scale showing zero centimetres to 50 centimetres.
  • Find a range of measuring cylinders and jugs. On each one, identify the level for 360 ml of liquid. Use the measuring equipment to work out the rough equivalent of 360 ml in other units such as litres, fluid ounces or pints.
  • Use a scale representing grams and ounces. About how many ounces is 400 grams? About how many grams is 6 ounces?
    Vertical scale showing grams on left side and ounces on the right.