One of the very first things a child experiences in this world is measurement and data analysis.
As soon as they are born, the exact time is noted and they are whisked away to be weighed, measured for length, and analyzed according to their reflexes, respiration, heart rate, appearance, and more. We celebrate these data points on their birth announcements. At every doctor's visit, they are again measured and shown where their data falls on a growth chart compared to other children. We proudly mark their growth over time on door frames. There are many other real-world examples of how measurement and data analysis are woven into our lives, from cooking to relying on clocks to keep us on schedule to making sure our new sofa will fit through the doorframe. We are constantly measuring and analyzing the world around us.
If any mathematical concept can be intrinsically understood, I believe it is this one. Without realizing it or being explicitly taught, children will sort things around them based on their attributes -- the size of rocks and length of sticks, who is taller and shorter, who is younger and older, who has more marshmallows in their cocoa, and who can run faster. They want to know how long it will take to get to Grandma's house, and whether more people prefer a certain color or movie or food. Children naturally measure by comparing and classifying the world around them.
The goal of this educational standard is to take that natural inclination, make it intentional, and learn about the conventions and tools we use to keep track of measurements and draw conclusions from what we've observed.
The kindergarten and first grade measurement and data analysis standards are closely linked. Many of the same books, activities, and videos can be used to teach both grades.
Act like an animal and count How Many Jumps! Pretend you're a rabbit, grasshopper, kangaroo, or frog, and measure your jumps against the actual distance each animal can jump.
Help May from Sid The Science Kid measure her rock and crystal collection in the game Crystals Rule from PBS Kids.
Visit the Richland Library's SC Education Standards page.
Books to Read
The titles below will help you and your child discuss measurement and data analysis. Want us to pull books for you? Contact us at 803-799-9084 and request to have books sent to your nearest Richland Library location.