Sometimes Maths doesn't make "sense" until you can physically see something before your eyes. This week we have been exploring square metres and cubic metres as we launch into our unit on Measurement through designing "tiny homes". Without being able to visualise measurement, we set out to construct a cubic metre.
Instructions were not given to the groups of students, they were left to decide for themselves how best to achieve their cubic metre. Armed with scissors, pencils, sticky tape and newspapers, it was great to see the different approaches. Students quickly worked out that newspaper was only as strong as the way it was rolled - diagonally was far better than from either the short or long side. Working out how to actually get it into one metre lengths was tricky as the newspapers were shorter than what was required.
Engineering skills were needed - as was a little bit of thinking outside the box (or in this case the cube!). Several students commented on how big a cubic metre actually is - and this is only because they could see it in front of them. Hands on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) is a great way to engage students and help with their learning.
 |
| One side up.... |
 |
| Thinking....thinking....thinking |
 |
| Taking shape |
 |
| Someone lost the end of the sticky tape! |
 |
| Slowly taking shape |
 |
First team to finish
|
When we gave it a try, you can fit 11 Room 6 students standing in the cube!
What a fantastic maths idea. I wonder how many cubic metres a tiny home would have to be, if it included everything you needed to live in it.
ReplyDelete