History of measurement
From cubits and spans to the metric system: why we use standard units. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.
Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz
How people measured long ago
- People used their bodies: a cubit (elbow to fingertip), a span (spread hand), a foot.
- Problem: everyone’s hand is a different size, so measures were not fair.
- That is why today we use standard units: the metre, kilogram and litre (the metric system).
Remember this and test yourself
- Long ago people measured with their bodies.
- Body measures differ between people.
- Standard units are the same for everyone.
Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.
A span changes from hand to hand; a metre is a metre everywhere.
Important words
First say the answer yourself, then turn the card over.
Match column A to column B
Tap a word in column A, then its meaning in column B. You can also start in column B.
True or false?
Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.
Now the real quiz!
The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.
Take the quiz: History of measurement- Let your child work the examples on paper and explain them to you.
- The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.
Follows CAPS for Grade 6 Mathematics. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.