Level 1: Bigger, longer, heavier

Measurement · level 1 of 8 · rough age 5-6 (a guide for parents; anyone can start anywhere)

Measuring starts with comparing. Before we use rulers and numbers, we ask simple questions: which is longer, which is heavier, which holds more, which takes longer, which is hotter? In this level you learn fair ways to answer each one, with your eyes, your hands, a piece of string, a balance and a cup of water, and you find out why your own hands give a different answer from a grown-up's.

Lesson	You will be able to
Longer and shorter	Compare two lengths fairly by lining up the ends, put three things in order, and use a string for things that cannot be put side by side
Heavier and lighter	Compare weights in your hands and with a balance, and explain why a big balloon can be lighter than a small stone
Which holds more?	Find which container holds the most by filling and pouring, and explain why a tall glass does not always hold more
Measuring with hands and feet	Measure with hand spans, feet and blocks with no gaps and no overlaps, and explain why a grown-up gets a smaller number
Time words	Use morning, afternoon, night, yesterday, today and tomorrow, say the days of the week in order, and compare how long things take
Hot and cold	Put things in order from coldest to hottest, and read a thermometer whose line goes up when it gets warmer

Next: Level 2: Units for everyone · Back to the topic: Measurement