Term 3 - Measurement

an important strand of mathematics?

Measurement tools and skills have a variety of uses in everyday life and, of course, in the quest for Olympic glory.

The ability to use measuring tools, rulers, thermometers, scales, and to estimate with these tools are necessary skills that enable us to quantify the world around us. They can tell us how tall we are, how hot we are, how much we drink, how heavy we are and how far it is from here to there.

Basic measures of distance and time allow us to calculate speed and acceleration and ultimately tell us how fast we need to project a rocket to allow it reach the Moon, and how populations change and grow.

This term Room 19 are investigating measurement, it's uses (and abuses), tools and terminology.

Some questions we will be exploring are -

  • Measurement, an important part of maths? Can we explain why and how you think it is important (or not important) to learn about the maths strand of measurement.

  • What are the reasons investigating measurement would be most relevant this term at Pt England School?

  • Can we list at least three different types of measuring and how we use them?

  • If you had to create a system of measuring what would you measure and how might your system work?

Try this 'Quizlet' about measurement here.

Paper Plane Olympics

Room 19 is going to investigate paper plane designs. We are going to carry out a series of races to find out who has the paper plane that can fly furthest and with the most accuracy.

We have adopted countries and formed teams to represent these countries -

  • Australia - Jay'Lee 2, Vanila, Athena, Aneisha 2, Naomi 2.

  • Canada - Billy 3, Tau, Patrick 3, Roman 3.

  • England - Tui, Miracle 2.

  • France - Zion 2, Dakota 2, Turuhira 3, Dante 2.

  • Germany - Silas, Max, Logan 3, Kevin 2.

  • Jamaica - Stevie 2, Kobe 2, Samson 2.

  • Nigeria - Mary 2, Hosannah 2.

  • USA - Chanel, Emilee, Pesi

  • Mexico - Tauwhare 3, Britney.

Each team will compete in three events: 1. Greatest average distance 2. Most accurate 3. 4 x relay (fastest time). All distances will be measured in a straight line.

Rules:

No pushing, biting, scratching or shoving;

All averages and any other maths to be done by team members, any incorrect results will be the reponsibility of that team;

Each team will receive three pieces of A4 paper for each team member. Two will be for prototypes, racing etc. One will be as a spare in case of damage by misfortune or sabotage.

ALL desicions by the referee (Mr H.) will be final.

Awards - There will be virtual gold, silver and bronze medals for each event with the winning team (highest points*) to be given 'real' gold medals. There will also be virtual gold medals awarded to the team with the most creative designs on their planes - this section to be judged by Ms. Clarke.

*Points will be allocated for each event as follows - 1 = bronze, 2 = silver, 3 = gold.

Paper plane design sites -

http://www.paperairplanes.co.uk/planes.html - a variety of simple planes made from A4 paper with clear instructions

http://www.zurqui.co.cr/crinfocus/paper/airplane.html - detailed instructions on how to make an elaborate paper plane

http://bestpaperairplanes.com/ - a variety of simple planes with clear instructions

Results of our 'Paper Plane Olympics' -

  • Longest distance - 1. Germany: 10.975m; 2: England: 8.875m; France: 8.132m.

  • Most accurate - 1. France: 0.233m; Jamaica: 0628m; England: 0.8.

  • Relay, fastest time - 1. Canada; 2. Australia; 3. Germany.

  • Most creative design - 1. Nigeria; 2. Jamaica; 3. Australia.

  • Overall team results - 1. ; 2. ; 3. .

Investigating The Human Body Through Measurement:

Finding out some 'vital' statistics

We are going to investigate our body through measurement. We are going to develop understandings about length, capacity, volume, mass/weight and speed.

First we are going to find statistics about our organs and body parts.