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Knowing and Learning Mathematics for Teaching Proceedings of a Workshop (2001) / Chapter Skim
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Appendix F: Explanation of the Unit on Weight
Pages 183-192

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From page 184...
... This idea of measurement is much more difficult for students to learn compared to the measurement of length or volume. For example, it is easy to visually grasp the sense of an object's length by using a measuring tape, because the increments shown on the flexible tape are the same as those on a graduated ruler.
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From page 185...
... For example, knowing roughly how much 1 kg weighs helps when estimating the weight of a 3-4 kg oh ject since it is possible to guess that it would be 3 or 4 times heavier than 1 kg. Another advantage of acquiring a sense of standard quantity is that, given a desired numeric amount and ob jects with an insufficient weight sum, students can estimate the additional amount needed to make up the difference.
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From page 186...
... . In other words, it is important for teachers to introduce them step-by-step to direct comparisons and indirect comparisons, leading to the use of universal units.
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From page 187...
... Let the students realize the necessity of using arbitrary units and universal units. Repnnted with permission of the American Educator and Shing-ying Lee.
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From page 188...
... 20 of the textbook. 20 AMERICAN EDUCATOR Important Notes: · Guidance for teaching students how to read units on the scale: In the beginning, students are usually unfamiliar with reading units on We scale.
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From page 189...
... Let the students determine the minimum unit on the scale. Topic 3: "Let's list the points we need to be aware of when we measure weights." Guidance: Let students know the right way of measuring weights and get them used to doing it.
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From page 190...
... Reprinted with permission of the American Educator and Shing-ying Lee.
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From page 191...
... ~ Add the weight of the two pumpkins and obtain the tool weight of the pumpkins.'' Guidance: Draw ~ number line similar to this: Toted Weight Obtain the total weight Topic 2: Activity: This deals with step two. Guidance: Based on the results in step one, make an ec notion to obtain the total weight: POOg ~ gong = 1 7C~ 1 70Og = 1 kg 700g Topic 3: 'What is the difference between the two pumpkins in grants?
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From page 192...
... Exercise five: exercise for selecting the appropriate units. End of the Unit Exercise O Let's read the weight that each hand is pointing at.
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Key Terms

  • total weight
  • wooden blocks
  • students measure
  • manipulative activities
  • read graduations

  • students read
  • read units
  • universal units
  • balance scale
  • students realize

  • appropriate units
  • arbitrary unit
  • reading units
  • physical weight
  • direct comparison

  • select appropriate
  • various objects
  • numeric amount
  • regular scale
  • arbitrary units

  • standard quantity
  • textbook illustration
  • automatic scales
  • weight represented
  • increments shown

  • dial hand
  • indirect comparison
  • objects weighing
  • using wooden
  • weight capacity


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