PRIMARY 3: MATHEMATICS – THIRD TERM | WEEK 3

TOPIC: STANDARD AND NON-STANDARD MEASUREMENT

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Ruler.
2. Metre rule.
3. Measuring tape.
4. Sticks.
5. Classroom objects.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of work.
2. Recommended Mathematics textbook for Primary 3.
3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils can measure simple objects and have used handspan, footsteps, centimetres and metres.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Explain standard measurement.
2. Explain non-standard measurement.
3. Give examples of standard units.
4. Give examples of non-standard units.
5. State the importance of standard measurement.

E: CONTENT

Non-Standard Measurement

Non-standard measurement uses units that may differ from one person to another.
Examples:

• handspan ✋
• footsteps 👣
• arm length
• sticks

Example:
A table may be 6 handspans long.
Another pupil may measure the same table and get 7 handspans because hand sizes are different.

Standard Measurement

Standard measurement uses accepted units that give the same result when used correctly.
Examples:

• centimetre (cm)
• metre (m)

Instruments used include:

• ruler 📏
• metre rule
• measuring tape

Difference Between Standard and Non-Standard Units

Importance of Standard Units

Standard units help people to:

• get correct measurements
• compare measurements easily
• use the same units everywhere

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Revises measurement of length.
2. Demonstrates measurement using handspan.
3. Demonstrates measurement using a ruler.
4. Explains standard and non-standard units.
5. Allows different pupils to measure the same object.
6. Compares their results.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Measure objects using handspan.
2. Measure objects using a ruler.
3. Give examples of standard units.
4. Give examples of non-standard units.
5. Compare measurements.
6. State differences between the two methods.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises standard and non-standard measurements and corrects pupils where necessary.
The teacher reminds pupils that standard units give more accurate and uniform measurements.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. What is a standard unit of measurement?
2. Mention two standard units of length.
3. Mention two non-standard units.
4. Is handspan a standard or non-standard unit?
5. Is centimetre a standard or non-standard unit?
6. Name two instruments used for standard measurement.
7. Why do we use standard units?