Snakes alive

Home > Stage 1 > Geometric measure > Snakes alive

Suggested content:

Length: Recognise and use formal units to measure the lengths of objects

Recognise the need for formal units to measure lengths and distances
Use the metre as a unit to measure lengths and distances to the nearest metre or half-metre
Estimate lengths and distances to the nearest metre and check by measuring
Measure lengths to the nearest centimetre, using a device with 1-cm markings
Record lengths and distances using the abbreviation for centimetres (cm)
Estimate lengths and distances to the nearest centimetre and check by measuring

Coloured drawing of students playing 'Snakes alive'.

Equipment

Cones to separate groups
One softball or medium-sized ball per team (snake head)
One ball per player, e.g. tennis ball (body of snake)
Tape or cones to mark minimum throw line
1m ruler (or similar)

Activity set-up

Divide playing space for groups using cones.

How to play

The first ball rolled becomes the head of the snake. Players deliver one ball at a time, aiming to place each ball behind the previous one. The aim is to form the longest snake. (4 or more per team.)

Each team plays the first ball on a signal.
If the first ball strays to another team’s area, the ball is played again.
The second ball is played on a signal, and so on for the remainder of the balls.
To ensure the last ball is a meaningful throw, a line is placed in front of each team and the ball must go beyond the line for the ball to count – otherwise every team will finish with a python!
Measure in a straight line from head to tail in metres or centimetres.

Variations

Use informal units to measure.
Measure the actual snake and discuss the difference in measurements.

Gemoetric measure