Essentials of Mathematics 11 -
Measurement Technology

This sub-organizer contains the following sections:
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
Suggested Instructional Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
Recommended Learning Resources

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that students will determine measurements in Systeme International (SI) and Imperial systems using different measuring devices

It is expected that students will:

• select and use appropriate measuring devices and measurement units in Imperial or SI systems
• perform basic conversions within and between the Imperial and SI systems, using technology as appropriate
• use measurement strategies to solve problems

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Real-world activities involving measuring, converting between systems, and estimating enable students to explore, describe, and manipulate the physical world around them.

• Divide the class into small groups and provide students with a variety of measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers, scales, metre-sticks, measuring tapes, trundle wheels). Assign objects to be measured to each group and have students report to the class their choice of measuring device, the ease or difficulty of measurement, and the precision of the resulting measurement.
• Use models and manipulatives to demonstrate the multiplication of units in two and three dimensions . Have students research relationships in the metric system .
• Have students create posters that display conversion factors or simple instructions for conversions between Imperial measures and corresponding SI measures, and vice versa. Compile the posters into a large book for classroom use, or display individual posters in a hall display. Have students use the posters to practice conversion problems.
• Have students measure the diameter of a round table in metres. Have them convert the distance to feet, then measure again in feet to check their work.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Measurement experiences are a powerful application of mathematical theory to everyday phenomena. Students demonstrate their knowledge of measurement concepts by generalizing about strategies and performing basic conversions.

Observe

• While students are working on measurement activities, circulate and provide feedback on:
  • their abilities to use the correct measuring devices and measurement units
  • the extent to which they consider the reasonableness of their answers
  • their overall understanding of measurement concepts in solving problems

Collect

• Review students’ written work in using measurement technology for evidence that they can:
  • give a situation in which using one particular measuring device is preferable to another
  • give examples of situations in which a most appropriate device for measurement exists
  • change units of linear measure from SI to Imperial and vice versa
• Have students research the history or development of a particular unit of measure.

Self Assessment

• Ask students to keep journals to describe the processes they used in dealing with problems. Have them include descriptions of strategies that worked, and those that did not. Have students keep a journal or scrapbook on the advantages of the SI system over the Imperial system.

Peer Assessment

• Have students check each other’s work using appropriate measuring systems.

RECOMMENDED LEARNING RESOURCES

Comprehensive learning resources for this course are currently under development. As an interim measure, schools are encouraged to use the teacher-developed learning resources distributed to schools (student and teacher resources). Please note that the student materials require photocopying for student use.

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Maintained by: Mathematics Coordinator
Revised: November 22, 2000

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