Teaching measurement? Then get your students measuring!

One of the great things about teaching measurement in the classroom is that it provides ample opportunities for students to actively participate in the lesson. Dust off the measuring tapes, it’s time for your students to measure some body parts!

A great opportunity for collaborative pair and group work

In this practical length activity, students are required to work with a partner. With their partner’s help, they measure each body part shown on the worksheet using a tape measure. They then record their measurements (in centimetres) on the line next to each body part. Once they have completed their measurements, students then answer a series of questions about the data they have collected. These questions require them to speak to their classmates about their measurements. Some of the questions include:

• What was your longest body part, and what did it measure?
• Find a classmate with a larger head circumference than you. Write their name and their measurement.
• Who has the longest arms in your class? Write their name and their measurement.

An open-ended inquiry question is also provided to challenge your more capable learners.

Using measuring equipment accurately – a fundamental skill

Accuracy is vital when using any form of measuring equipment! This activity allows you to teach your students the fundamentals of using a tape measure accurately. Students must ensure that they place the measuring tape exactly on the correct starting point and record the number at the correct finishing point. Otherwise, their data will be wrong!