Integrated Science
Ms. Guerra
Lesson 1
Unit 2
Measurement
How far away is that
tree? How can I know
without going there?
Integrated Science
Ms. Guerra
Lesson 1
Unit 2
Measurement
Measurement refers to the comparison of an unknown
quantity with a standard. It judge against a quantity with a
standard to see how many times as big as the standard the
quantity is.
Weights and measures were among the earliest tools
invented by man. Primitive societies needed rudimentary
measures for many tasks: constructing dwellings of an
appropriate size and shape, fashioning clothing and
bartering food or raw materials.
Man understandably turned first to parts of his body and his natural surroundings
for measuring instruments. Early Babylonian and Egyptian records, and the Bible,
indicate that length was first measured with the forearm, hand, or finger and that
time was measured by the periods of the sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies.
When it was necessary to compare the capacities of containers such as gourds or
clay or metal vessels, they were filled with plant seeds that were then counted to
measure the volumes. With the development of scales as a means for weighing,
seeds and stones served as standards. For instance, the "carat," still used as a mass
unit for gems, is derived from the carob seed.
Scientists use many skills as they investigate the world around them. They make
observations by gathering information with their senses. Some observations are
simple.
For example, a simple observation would be figuring out the colour or texture of an
object.
However, if scientists want to know more about a substance, they may need to take
measurements.
 To measure we must have a standard, or something to compare it to.
 A standard is an exact quantity people agree to use for comparison.
Integrated Science
Ms. Guerra
Lesson 1
Unit 2
Measurement
When in daily life do we make measurements?
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What kind of measurements do we make?
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Look at the pictures measure and say what is being measured, which units or tools is being
used?