Measuring Our River

Measurement connects mathematics to the physical world and develops spatial reasoning alongside number sense.

• Framework: IPC
• Unit: Rivers, Rocks & Rainbows
• Learning area: Numeracy
• Level: Levels 1-3

Objectives

• Measure the length and width of a pretend river using non-standard units
• Compare measurements and use vocabulary such as longer, shorter, wider, narrower
• Begin to understand the need for standard units of measurement

Materials

• Blue fabric or paper to create a pretend river
• Craft sticks, unifix cubes, and string for measuring
• Rulers and tape measures (Level 3)
• Recording sheets
• Pencils

Instructions

Create a winding 'river' on the classroom floor using blue fabric or paper. Invite children to estimate and then measure different parts of the river using non-standard units. Discuss why different children might get different measurements for the same section. Introduce the idea that we need agreed-upon units to communicate measurements accurately.

Educator tip

Making the river winding and varying in width creates natural opportunities for comparison and discussion.

Assessment

Observe children's measuring technique (end-to-end placement, no gaps), accuracy of counting, and use of comparative vocabulary.

More from Rivers, Rocks & Rainbows

• The River's Journey Story
• Rock Poetry Workshop
• Rainbow Descriptive Writing
• Rock Detectives: Types of Rocks
• The Water Cycle in a Bag
• Making Rainbows with Light
• Watercolour River Landscapes
• Stacked Rock Sculptures