Depending on the subject you teach or the area your child wants to learn about, there are different types of measurements to experiment with. Whether you are trying a chemistry related project or simply learning measuring basics, kids can choose from an array of values in different systems. Hands-on measurement projects may involve either the metric system or the U.S. system. Factors affecting your system selection for a measurement experiment may include where you live (i.e., in the U.S. or elsewhere), what you will be measuring and lesson goals or objectives. For example, if you are in the midst of a system conversion unit in math class, you may want to weigh mixtures for a chemistry experiment in U.S. measurements and then have the students convert the numbers to the metric values.
Discussing scientific tools with kids is an easy intro to almost any measurement experiment. Before beginning the actual measurements, bring out a variety of items that scientists use to find out lengths, heights, masses, volumes and weights. Show the students each tool and ask them to predict what the tool could measure. Basic tools include a scale, yardstick, ruler, tape measure, graduated cylinder, thermometer, measuring cup, measuring spoons or balance. More advanced items that scientists use to make measurements during experiments may include an item such as litmus paper that measures the pH of a substance.
Experiments for young students may focus on simply exploring new types of measuring tools, making comparisons or understanding how measurements change with growth. For an exploratory experiment involving tools, set out a variety of items such a scale, ruler, cup measure and measuring spoons. Provide the students with a liquid such as water with food coloring mixed in and several differently weighted items. Invite the kids to try out the different tools with the different items and record their observations in a science journal. Another option is to choose one mode of measurement and encourage the students to make comparisons between objects. Have them predict what items may weigh more or be longer. Measure with the tools and record the data on a class chart.
More experienced students or those in upper-level grades can try advanced measurement experiments that involve pH, changes in states of matter, chemical reactions or complex measurement instruments. For example, teach kids about the science of nature by measuring the pH of soil in at least two different areas, such as under a plant or in a barren area. Use litmus paper and record the numeric measurements. Discuss reasons why the pH differs such as the effects of plant life, pollution and other environmental factors. Another option is to try a chemistry experiment measuring different states of water (i.e., liquid, ice, vapor) using a scale for weight and a measuring cup or graduated cylinder for mass.