MEASUREMENT
Concepts of Measurement
The Concepts of Measurement
Explain the concepts of measurement
Measurement is the process of assigning numbers to observations or events.
Importance of Measurement in Real Life
State the importance of measurement in real life
Measurements are so often taken for granted, we sometimes do not appreciate the grand importance measurements play in our lives. On a baseline level, measurements fall into the categories of weight, area, volume, length and even temperature. While we look at these various categories as stoic forms of mathematical measurements, a closer examination of things we do in everyday life reveals their clear importance.
Taking proper medicine. If you are ill (whether a serious or minor illness) you need to take your medicine and take it in the proper amount. If you take too little or too much then you are not going to get the proper benefit from it.
Cooking properly. Cooking of all forms is based on proper attention to measurement. Can you bake a chicken at 600 degrees? Well, you can but the results would be pretty catastrophic! Could you may a cup of tea by dipping a tea bag into a teaspoon of warm water?
Purchasing clothes. Now, how important could measurements be when selecting clothes? After all, to look good in clothing the main thing you need to pay attention to is style, right? Well, if you weigh 200lbs you aren't going to look stylish in an extra small shirt. Clothing is all based on size and proper fitting which are, of course, variants of measurement.
Playing sports. The importance of measurements may not necessarily reveal itself when you play sports but it is there in a big way. If you want to throw a runner out at first or make a 30 yard touchdown pass then you really need to be accurate and comes from a clear sense of depth and distance.
Making estimations. If you have to be at school at 9am what time would you have to leave in the morning if you are at your friend's house. Often we do not have an exact answer so we need to make an estimation which is essentially a guess of measurement.
Keeping yourself warm or cool. If the temperature outside dips or increases you have to make an adjustment on your thermostat in order to remain at a safe and healthy temperature. Understanding the measurement scale of a thermostat is critical in this regard or else you may find yourself feeling rather uncomfortable.
Understanding weight. Is that object too heavy to pick up by yourself or do you need to use something to lift it? Some may think this is not important but it is pretty easy to hurt yourself if you lift objects that are too heavy.
Proper use of capacity. Just how many clothes can you fit in a dresser or closet without it becoming too crammed? Without a clear concept of capacity you might find yourself pouring an entire half gallon of orange juice into a small glass!
Telling time. The ability to tell time is all based on measurement principles. Whether you are using a digital clock or an hourglass these devices measure the passage of time. Now, imagine how chaotic the world would be if if was impossible to measure the passage of time.
Transportation. How much weight is too much for a plane to take off or a car to move efficiently? How much fuel is needed to reach a certain point and how long will it take to get somewhere? Yes, measurements play a significant part in transportation.
Structure. This was saved for last because it is the common theme that is found in all the multitude of reasons for the importance of measurements. Measurements provide structure and remove the chaos that would result without any congruent method of understanding weight, mass, temperature, etc.
