Do your household materials measure up?

Submitted by Roxann Camel

A close friend of mine, Roxann, is an elementary science specialist. With 17 years of classroom experience, she currently teaches science to students in grades k-5th and conducts many science workshops for both teachers and parents.

Roxann recently shared with me that measurement is the weakest area across the United States in mathematics and science. She recommends all parents have certain materials available in their home to help their children excel in these subject areas. Using these materials at home with your child will make measurement real and concrete. Without any previous practice using these tools, the concepts behind them will be abstract and very difficult to understand. If your child only uses them in the classroom, that is not enough practice. Children benefit from working with their hands and most importantly, talking about what they're doing with their hands.

• Pan balance with weights in grams
• Graduated cylinders in milliliters - 50 ML and 100 ML
• Thermometers with Fahrenheit and Celsius
• Measuring cups with ounces, milliliters, and cups
• Measuring spoons in teaspoons and Tablespoons
• Eye droppers
• Magnifying glass
• Tweezers
• Measuring Tape with centimeters and millimeters
• Ruler with centimeters and millimeters

Make sure to have these materials accessible to your child, and incorporate the use of them into your family routine to ensure your child's success in measurement