Support why you would teach using a non-standard units lesson?
depends on what you mean units, and standard.
I grew up on lbs, oz, tons. In high school, we shifted to cgs units. Then in college, we used metric. Then as an engineer, I used English again. Then becoming a teacher, I used metric. Now which was standard, and which will be standard for my grandchildren?
Oh yes, I forgot the two years I spoke spherical trig in navigation.
degrees or radians?
Teaching using non-standard units can be a valuable approach for several reasons:
1. Conceptual Understanding: Non-standard units help students develop a deep understanding of measurement concepts. By using objects like paper clips, popsicle sticks, or even their own body parts as units of measurement, students can visualize and make meaningful connections between the real world and abstract mathematical concepts.
2. Engaging and Hands-on Learning: Non-standard units make measurement lessons more interactive and enjoyable for students. It allows them to physically manipulate objects and engage in hands-on activities, fostering their active participation and promoting a positive learning experience.
3. Flexibility: Non-standard units offer flexibility in teaching measurement. Since they can be adjusted to fit various measurement tasks, they allow students to explore and compare different units of measurement, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Connection to Everyday Life: Non-standard units are often objects that students encounter in their daily lives. By relating measurement to everyday objects, students can see the relevance and applicability of measurement concepts in their personal experiences.
5. Preparation for Standard Units: Introducing non-standard units before moving onto standard units (such as centimeters, grams, etc.) helps in building a strong foundation. Students can develop a clear understanding of the concept of measurement and estimation, which will be beneficial when transitioning to more formal units of measurement.
To teach using non-standard units, educators can start by selecting appropriate objects that are easy to manipulate and relate to the students' environment. They can guide students in using these objects to measure different quantities and compare their measurements. This can be done through activities, games, or even real-life scenarios that involve measurement. Comparisons with standard units can also be made, once students have a grasp of non-standard units.