Creating a maths measurement model (TLM) that demonstrates mass, volume, and length in step-by-step form allows students to interactively learn these essential measurement concepts.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating such a model using simple materials:
Objective:
To create a maths measurement model that illustrates the concepts of mass, volume, and length, using simple tools and materials that will help students visualize how to measure these quantities.
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard or foam board (for the base and backdrop)
- Ruler (for length measurement)
- Graduated cylinders or small transparent containers (for volume measurement)
- Weights or small objects (like stones or marbles for mass measurement)
- Balance scale (DIY version can be made with a hanger or cups)
- Measuring tape (for larger length measurement)
- Markers or colored pens (for labeling and adding details)
- Plastic cups or bottles (for holding water or other liquids)
- Scissors and glue (for assembly)
- Small labels or sticky notes (for marking measurements)
Step-by-Step Guide for the Maths Measurement Model (Mass, Volume, Length):
1. Prepare the Base:
- Take a large cardboard or foam board as the base for your model. This will provide a sturdy platform for all the measuring tools.
- Divide the base into three sections using markers: one for length, one for volume, and one for mass. This will help organize the model and clearly differentiate between the concepts.
2. Measurement of Length:
Objective: To show how to measure the length of objects using different tools.
- Ruler: Attach a ruler (or a strip of cardboard marked with length measurements) to the model’s base.
- You can demonstrate length measurement by placing objects (like pencils, small boxes, or strips of paper) next to the ruler. Show how to read measurements in centimeters and inches.
- Measuring Tape: Place a measuring tape on the model for measuring larger objects (e.g., the height of a bottle or length of a piece of string).
- Label it to show how a tape is used for larger or irregular objects.
- Interactive Element: Add small markers or pointers on the ruler/tape so students can align them with objects and measure their lengths.
- Example Objects: Include examples of things to measure like pencils, sticks, or strips of paper to show different lengths (e.g., 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, etc.).
3. Measurement of Volume:
Objective: To show how to measure the volume of liquids and irregular objects.
- Graduated Cylinder or Plastic Containers: Use a graduated cylinder or small transparent containers with volume markings in milliliters (ml) and liters.
- Fill them with water or another liquid to show students how to read the volume from the graduated marks.
- Plastic Cups or Bottles: Attach small plastic cups or bottles with pre-marked measurements to show how liquid volume is measured.
- Label the containers with volumes such as 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, etc.
- Irregular Objects Volume Measurement (Displacement Method):
- To demonstrate volume using the water displacement method, place a container filled halfway with water, and then drop small objects (like marbles or stones) into the container.
- Show how the rise in water level corresponds to the volume of the object.
- Mark the change in the water level before and after the object is submerged to demonstrate how to measure volume by displacement.
- Interactive Element: Allow students to pour water into the containers themselves and read the measurements.
4. Measurement of Mass:
Objective: To demonstrate how to measure mass using a balance scale and weights.
- DIY Balance Scale: Create a simple balance scale using a hanger or by suspending two small containers (plastic cups) from either side of a balanced stick.
- Attach this balance to the model’s base so that students can place objects on either side and compare their mass.
- Weights or Standard Objects: Use small weights or calibrated objects (like stones, marbles, or coins) with known mass to demonstrate how mass is measured. For example, use objects weighing 10 grams, 20 grams, 50 grams, etc.
- Interactive Element: Students can place an object of unknown mass on one side of the scale and balance it with known weights on the other side. This helps them understand the concept of mass measurement.
- Labeling: Add small labels showing common units of mass like grams (g) and kilograms (kg).
5. Labeling and Explanation:
- Label each section of the model clearly: Mass, Volume, and Length.
- Use sticky notes or small printed labels to add definitions and explanations of each concept.
- For example, “Length is the measurement of how long an object is from one end to another.”
- “Volume is the amount of space an object or substance occupies.”
- “Mass is the amount of matter in an object.”
- Highlight common units of measurement:
- Length: millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), meters (m), kilometers (km)
- Volume: milliliters (ml), liters (L), cubic centimeters (cm³)
- Mass: grams (g), kilograms (kg)