Big Idea 35
Measurement
The Essential Questions Handbook © 2011 by Q2AMedia, Scholastic Teaching Resources
One important facet of mathematics is
our standard systems of measurement.
An accurate and consistent system of
measurement is more than useful; it
is a foundation of our economy and a
necessity for international interaction.
Without a consistent system of
measurement, local and international
trade would become chaotic. Systems of
measurement facilitate communication
in all aspects of human life.
Enduring Understandings
nn Objects
have specific features that can expressed in numbers.
nn Measurement
nn Objects
helps us understand and describe our world.
can be compared using the same attribute.
nn Measurements
nn Standard
nn Context
can be made with appropriate tools, techniques, and formulas.
units of measurement provide common language for communicating.
helps us decide the appropriate degree of accuracy in measurement.
Vocabulary List
78
nn Unit
nn Accurate
nn Length
nn Capacity
nn Metric
nn Convert
nn Perimeter
nn Weigh
nn Dimension
nn Precision
nn Width
nn Distance
nn Standard
system
nn Volume
Mathematics
Essential Questions
Use these questions to help students explore the mathematical thinking behind the
very practical subject of measurement.
• What types of things can be measured?
• How can something be measured?
The Essential Questions Handbook © 2011 by Q2AMedia, Scholastic Teaching Resources
• Why is measurement important?
• Why can we describe measurement as a system?
• Why do measurements need both numbers and units?
• Why do we need standard units of measurement?
• Why do we convert units of measurement?
• How precise must measurement be?
• How do measurements help us compare objects?
• What types of problems are solved with measurements?
• How do we choose the best unit of measurement to use?
• How can there be more than one way to measure something?
• How do we measure when we don’t have a standard tool?
Add your own questions!
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