Summer SAVY, Session 1 Day 3, Encounters with Measurement (1st – 2nd)
Dear SAVY Families,
Hello! We had another day filled with learning and discovery at SAVY Summer 2024 Session One: Encounters with Measurement. The mathematicians once again exceeded expectations today, and I am eager to tell you about it!
We started the day reviewing linear measurements, such as length, perimeter, and area. We discussed that linear measurement takes place in two dimensions and that we use units and square units to measure objects with two dimensions. To wrap up our learning on linear measurement, we reviewed the concept of area. Using 12in x 12in, or 1 square foot, scrapbook papers, students were challenged to model all the ways they could make a 20 square foot array. This led to a discussion about how we could be sure that we had all of the possible arrays for a 20-square-foot area. I was impressed with the young mathematicians’ understanding of area and using multiplication to find area! To finish our discovery of area, mathematicians used their knowledge to predict what would happen to an area measurement if you doubled, tripled, or quadrupled one or both dimensions of a plane figure. We started simple, using a 2-foot x 3-foot array, and worked with larger arrays after that. In connection with the Yeti, we learned that humans need 20 square feet each in the classroom space. If the Yeti is double our size and needs double the space we need! Can the Yeti fit at school? Ask your mathematician this tonight! After two days, I am sure our mathematicians have a great grasp of the concept of area!
We spent the afternoon learning about measuring liquid volume and capacity, which is the measurement that takes place in three dimensions. We started by learning some terms that used to be common in measurement but are no longer used. For example, did you know that 1 jigger is equal to 2 mouthfuls and that 2 jiggers is equal to 1 jack? These terms, while silly, also presented us with the terms we still use today to measure liquid volume, such as cups, quarts, pints, and gallons. Mathematicians were taught about conversion and why it is necessary to convert units to have an accurate measurement. To end our class, mathematicians estimated the volume of different containers before discovering the true volume and finding the difference between the estimated volume and the real volume. Volume is definitely the most challenging concept of measurement that we will cover in our class, so we will pick up with this concept in the morning!
Questions to ask your SAVY Mathematician tonight:
- How did you know you had found all of the arrays for a 20-square-foot area?
- What is volume? What is capacity?
- Capacity is not only used for measuring liquid. What else is capacity used for?
I hope you have a relaxing evening, and I look forward to developing more mathematical knowledge with the SAVY Mathematicians tomorrow!
Sincerely,
Miss Gruchot