Units of measurement

Introductory information

Author 1
Gayane Hovhannisyan
E-mail
Institute
Yerevan State Linguistic University after V. Brusov, Armenia
Author 2
Áine Furlong
E-mail
Institute
Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland
Target Group
age 12-16
Subjects
Geometry, History, Geography
Aims
  1. To develop an understanding the concept of measurement.
  2. To discover the anthropocentric principle of measures in different sciences. Learning about the units of measure.
  3. To learn the base units of the International System of Units (SI).

Key competences

Communication in language(s)
Communication in L1
  • Learning the units of measuring weight, length, temperature et c.
  • Activating the names of anthropocentric units of measuremnet of physical dimensions
Communication in FL(s)
  • Discovering the international system of measurement
  • Learning the names of culturally diverse measuremnt units – own language, language of classroom, language under study
Learning to learn
  • Using the measurement units in own activity. Learning how to measure.
  • Comparing the international system of measurement with the culture-specific units.
Digital competences
Appropriate selection of information on the internet
Social and civic competences
Knowing how to communicate ideas.
Timing of the overall activities
3 hours
Resources and materials needed
The Internet, a ruler, a scale, paper and pen.

Worksheets

Measuring things using our body

Timing
1 academic hour
Material required
Paper and a pen a ruler.
Grouping
or + whole class
Worksheet 1
Material for Teachers
Material for Students

Units of measure according to Leonardo de Vinci

Timing
1 academic hour
Material required
Worksheet 2
Grouping
Worksheet 2
Material for Teachers
Material for Students

The virtuvian man by Leonardo da Vinci

Timing
1 academic hour
Material required
Worksheet 3
Grouping
Worksheet 3
Material for Teachers
Material for Students

Discovering the history of measurement through words

Timing
2 hours
Material required
Worksheet 4
Grouping
Worksheet 4
Material for Teachers
Material for Students

Assessment

  • Can you draw a human scaled object? What units of measurement will you use?
  • Can you draw a non-human scaled object? What units of measurement will you use?
  • What is the metric system?
  • Do you think the metric system has advantages or disadvantages over the units of measurement you have seen in these tasks?