We Can...
convince cereal companies that they should modify the internal surfaces of their cereal boxes. A precise one centimeter square grid should be printed on the inside surface of all cereal boxes. Example:
Studying the metric system is fundamental to learning math, science and technology (MST)skills. The metric system of measurement is MST's standard unit of measurement and it is used by just about every country in the world.
The great thing about the system is that it is easy to make calculations because it uses multiples of tens. Some measurement systems are based on measurements of body parts like feet. That does not make sense.
Back to the photo: to make my example I cut through the side of a cereal box with a pair of standard scissors, trimmed one surface with a utility knife, and finished by going to my drafting machine and drawing a one centimeter grid.
It took me eight minutes but
don’t expect any elementary teacher to do this for every student in their class. It's too complicated, too time consuming, and too difficult.
But if students were to recycle and transport cereal boxes with grids from their home to the classroom, students and teachers would take to this free construction material with great zeal!
The great thing about the system is that it is easy to make calculations because it uses multiples of tens. Some measurement systems are based on measurements of body parts like feet. That does not make sense.
Back to the photo: to make my example I cut through the side of a cereal box with a pair of standard scissors, trimmed one surface with a utility knife, and finished by going to my drafting machine and drawing a one centimeter grid.
It took me eight minutes but
don’t expect any elementary teacher to do this for every student in their class. It's too complicated, too time consuming, and too difficult.
But if students were to recycle and transport cereal boxes with grids from their home to the classroom, students and teachers would take to this free construction material with great zeal!
How much would it cost a company that sells cereal to print this grid? Micro-pennies per box! They do it now. Look at this Rice Krispies Treats recipe on the inside of a Rice Krispie Box.
Also cereal Companies should undertake the promotion of recycling and repurposing of cereal boxes (boxboard) in the classroom.
Boxboard is a great construction material for students to use. It was, after cardboard, the most valuable construction material in my classroom.
Approximately seventy percent of cereal boxes are recycled, the other 30 percent is thrown in the garbage.
Cereal companies should consider promoting the metric system in Canada. They could use part of the exterior of their boxes to inform students of the proper names in French and English used in the metric measurements system.
Here is an example of one of the many different size cereal boxes that I sprayed with blackboard paint and used as a test for understanding metric linear, area and volume calculations.
The students in my class thoroughly enjoyed this exercise because I set it up as a team effort. It gave gifted students in my class a chance to help me and be student teachers.Make the metric system a focal point of learning.
Boxboard is a great construction material for students to use. It was, after cardboard, the most valuable construction material in my classroom.
Approximately seventy percent of cereal boxes are recycled, the other 30 percent is thrown in the garbage.
Cereal companies should consider promoting the metric system in Canada. They could use part of the exterior of their boxes to inform students of the proper names in French and English used in the metric measurements system.
Here is an example of one of the many different size cereal boxes that I sprayed with blackboard paint and used as a test for understanding metric linear, area and volume calculations.
The students in my class thoroughly enjoyed this exercise because I set it up as a team effort. It gave gifted students in my class a chance to help me and be student teachers.Make the metric system a focal point of learning.
Students need new MST skills to cope with the future. This potential, repurposed, standardized grid material is a simple, easy solution to give teachers an affordable material that helps the environment.
Boxboard with a metric grid is fun for students to use, learn new skills, and it allows them to be creative. Design and creativity is essential to our future.
Boxboard with a metric grid is fun for students to use, learn new skills, and it allows them to be creative. Design and creativity is essential to our future.