Measurement Skills

Did You Know That We Are Constantly Using Our Measurement Skills?

Measuring things happen every day, whether you are doing it consciously or sub-consciously. Every time you pick up an object and think will it fit in my book bag, will it fit me, or will I be able to fit it in my looker - you are using measurement skills. When you hold up shirt and think will this fit me, then you are using informal measurement skills. It you use a ruler to measure an object to see if it will fit in your book bag or locker, then you are using formal or customary measurement skills. Measuring objects is skill that everyone takes for granted and does not really think about. We unconsciously think about measuring things all day long. When you put toothpaste on your toothbrush you are measuring the correct amount so that it stays on the brush. When you put milk in your cereal bowl, you measure the right amount of milk using visual cues so that it does not overflow. Many students have measured the exact number of steps from their front door to the bus stop. This is probably due to looking forward to another day of school. Of course you have probably measured the length of your shoes to see exactly how far it is to the bus stop. If your parents buy something new for your bedroom, the question is will it fit. This can be accomplished by using a ruler (formal) or stepping it off with using the feet (informal). However it is done, measurement is happening. Another example of measurement occurs in the home is when cooking. If you plan to bake a cake you will need to measure out the exact amount of ingredients, whether you are baking from scratch or out of a box. This measurement typically requires formal measuring skills with measuring spoons and cups. Sometimes cooking is accomplished using informal measurements. For example, when you are cooking something and you take a pinch of this or dash of that. Pinches and dashes are informal measuring. When you are out skate boarding with friends you are always measuring who has more hang time, who can stay on their skate board the longest without falling off, who can slide down a hand rail the longest without falling off, and more. These are examples of informal measurement skills. If you actually use a stop watch or ruler, then you are using formal measurement skills. I really doubt skate boarders carry stop watches and rulers. What about when you play basketball and play the game of horse? You are using informal measuring skills as you pick a spot to shoot the basketball at the basket. You are selecting a distance and mentally measuring the force and arc needed to sink the basket. It feels really good when you do it all right and get nothing but net. Another example of using measuring skills is when you are playing Xbox 360 or similar game and you need to complete the object of the game. You have to mentally measure if your car will fit through a tight spot, what angle you need to use to accomplish the next step in the game, or measure the dimensions of what you are trying to construct in the game. Using measuring skills in video games are common as you attempt to accomplish whatever task you are working on. When you go to the amusement park and play the football toss and basketball toss games you are informally measuring the distance so that you make the shot and win a prize. When you look at a roller coaster you mentally measure the height and decide it you can handle it or not. Measuring skills are used everyday, in every activity that you are involved in doing. When you go to the amusement park and play the football toss and basketball toss games you are informally measuring the distance so that you make the shot and win a prize. When you look at a roller coaster you mentally measure the height and decide it you can handle it or not. Source: http://www.mathworksheetscenter.com/mathtips/constantmeasurement.html http://www.mathworksheetscenter.com/ Spring Break Is Math Boot Camp for Us! March 16, 2010 News http://www.mrscjacksonsclass.com/ More Math Resources