How do we measure?
73 2 months ago
🎯 In this topic you will
- Explore instruments that use numbered scales.
- Choose the correct instrument to measure different quantities.
🧠 Key Words
- temperature
- thermometer
Show Definitions
- temperature: A measure of how hot or cold something is, usually measured in degrees Celsius (°C).
- thermometer: An instrument used to measure temperature using a numbered scale.
🍳 Measuring in Everyday Life
You use mass and capacity when cooking, and temperature when baking.
👕 Measuring for Clothes and Shoes
You use height and length when you buy new clothes or shoes.
🌡️ Staying Warm or Cool
When you keep yourself warm or cool, you are using what you know about temperature.
🏋️ Understanding Weight
You need to know about weight when lifting heavy or light objects.
🔍 What This Section Explores
This section explores how you measure each of these things.
❓ EXERCISES
1. Which ruler would be most helpful for measuring the length of a pencil? Why?

👀 Show answer
The first ruler (the one with numbered markings) would be most helpful because it has a clear scale in centimetres, allowing you to measure the pencil accurately.
2. Look at each thermometer and draw a ring round the word that matches the temperature.
Is it hot, cold or warm? Talk to your partner.

👀 Show answer
From left to right: hot, cold, warm.
3. Colour in the instrument you would use to measure the capacity of a bottle.

👀 Show answer
The measuring jug should be coloured because capacity (liquid volume) is measured in millilitres using a measuring jug.
4. Draw a ring around the jug containing the most juice.

👀 Show answer
The jug on the right contains the most juice because its liquid level is the highest on the scale.
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