Axel saw a plane and wondered how many feet high it was as he asked the flight attendant on our flight and had forgotten if it it was around 20.000 feet or more. He then wondered if the measurement was actually named because of a person’s foot. This led to research and he was fascinated to learn that Henry I was attributed to passing the law that one foot was to be as long as his own foot, the first times a standard unit of measurement was put into place in England.

Math

• Axel learned about units of measurement, specifically the concept of feet as a standard unit for measuring height.
• He discovered the historical origin of the foot as a measurement, attributed to Henry I in England.
• Axel practiced estimating the height of the plane in feet, using 20,000 feet as a reference point.
• He developed critical thinking skills by questioning the connection between the measurement of feet and the human foot.

For continued development, encourage Axel to explore other units of measurement and compare them to the foot. This can include learning about the metric system, inches, and centimeters. He can also engage in hands-on activities where he measures objects using his own foot as a reference.

Book Recommendations

• The Story of Measurement by Andrew Robinson: This book explores the history of measurement, including the origins of units like the foot, and how they have evolved over time.
• How Long or How Wide?: A Measuring Guide by Brian P. Cleary: This fun and interactive book introduces different measuring units, including feet, inches, and centimeters, through engaging illustrations and rhymes.
• Measurement by Ed Sobey: This book provides hands-on activities and experiments for children to explore measurement concepts, including using their own feet as a measuring tool.