Chapter 8.1 (Mathematics 5)

Measuring distance

Using a 100 m string to measure distance

In groups of five:

  1. Use a tape measure or a metre rule to prepare 100 metre strings.
  2. Use the 100 m string to measure the perimeter of:
    1. Football field.
    2. School compound.
  3. Record the results as in the table shown.

Item

Distance in metres

Football field

School compound

  1. Discuss the results and share with other groups.

Kilometre as a unit of measuring length

Group Activity 2

In groups:

  1. Fix a peg at the school gate.
  2. From the peg, measure a distance of 100 m along the side of the road and mark with a peg.
  3. Continue measuring and marking with pegs until you get ten equal intervals of 100 metres each.
  4. Walk along the same route back to the school gate.
  5. Discuss the distance covered.

Note

  1. The ten intervals of 100 metres is 1 000 metres.
  2. 1 000 metres make 1 kilometre.
  3. The kilometre is used to measure long distances.
  4. Kilometre in short form is written as km.
  1. From  to 
  2. From  to 
  3. From  to 
  4. From  to 

Estimating and measuring distances in kilometres

1. Estimate, measure and record the distances given.

Distance

Estimate in kilometres

Actual distance in kilometres

Distance round the field

Distance round the school compound three times

2. Estimate distance in kilometres from:

  1. School to chief’s camp. 
  2. School to dispensary. 
  3. School to the market. 
  4. School to the nearest town. 

Confirm the actual distances using google maps.