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For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Do You Measure Up?

Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level Yellow star
  • Game

Do you know what tools are used for different measuring tasks?

This game is for two or more players.
It is a game that uses your knowledge of measuring tools, but it is also a game of chance. Why is that?
To answer the questions, or complete the jobs and tasks described you would use one or more of the measuring tools shown on the spinner.

It is a good idea to read through the questions, jobs and tasks described on each of the squares on the game board before you begin the game.

You will need:

  • A spinner (use card and a paper clip, see below for details).
  • A printed copy of the game board.
  • A different coloured counter or place marker for each player.

To play the game:

  • Decide on the order of the players.
  • The first player spins the paper clip on the card spinner. Think about the jobs you use that tool for.
  • Decide which is the first square on the board that refers to a job or task that you would use that measuring tool for.
  • Put your marker on the square and explain to the other players why you have landed there.
  • If the square you have chosen is not correct - either it is not the first square that describes a job or task that you would use the tool for, or the tool is not used for that job or task, you miss your next turn.
  • Each player takes their turn.
  • More than one player can land on the same square.
  • Some jobs or tasks can be done with more than one tool, which is why you must explain why you have landed on a square.
  • Continue in the same way until you have travelled across the board.
  • If the spinner lands on a tool that you cannot find a matching square for, you must miss your turn.

The winner is the first person to land on the final square.

To make a spinner, you will need:

  • Sheet of thin card
  • Pair of scissors
  • Glue
  • Pencil
  • Paper fastener or paper clip

Print off this sheet of the spinner and pointer, cut them out and stick them onto card. (Alternatively, you could use the image below as a model, and draw your own version straight onto the card.)

Attach the pointer to the centre with the fastener - don't fasten it too tight or the pointer won't spin.

Another option is to use a paper clip in the centre of the spinner rather than having a pointer. Put a pencil point inside the clip and on the centre dot. Hold the pencil firmly and spin the paper clip.

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Walk and Ride

How far have these students walked by the time the teacher's car reaches them after their bus broke down?

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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