Measurement of irregular plane surface in Learning how to measure – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Learning how to measure

Activity Name: Measurement of irregular plane surface in Learning how to measure

Activity Description:

Required Items:

1. Graph paper with small, uniformly-sized squares (preferably 1 cm x 1 cm)
2. A leaf or a banana peel with an irregular shape
3. Pencil

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Place the leaf or banana peel on the graph paper.
2. Use a pencil to trace the outline or boundary of the leaf on the graph paper. Ensure that you mark the boundary accurately.
3. Remove the leaf or banana peel, and you will have the outline or boundary of the shape drawn on the graph paper.
4. Count the number of complete squares (each measuring 1 cm²) that are completely enclosed within the boundary of the shape. These squares represent the whole units of area.
5. Additionally, count the squares that are half or greater than half enclosed within the boundary. Include these squares in your count.
6. Add the number of complete squares and the number of half or greater than half squares together. This sum represents the total number of squares inside the boundary.
7. The total number of squares inside the boundary corresponds to the approximate area of the leaf or banana peel in square centimeters (cm²).
8. Exclude any squares inside the boundary that are less than half enclosed. Neglecting these squares helps provide a value of the area that is close to the actual area.

Experiment Observations:

• Number of complete squares inside the boundary.
• Number of squares half or greater than half enclosed within the boundary.
• Total number of squares inside the boundary.

Precautions:

1. Handle the leaf or banana peel carefully to avoid damaging or tearing it.
2. Ensure that the leaf or peel is placed flat on the graph paper to get an accurate outline.
3. Use a sharp pencil to trace the outline accurately.
4. Count the squares carefully to avoid errors in the final measurement.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Using graph paper to measure the area of irregular plane surfaces helps break down the shape into discrete units, allowing for a more accurate estimation of the area.

By counting the squares and considering the half or greater than half squares, we can obtain a value close to the actual area. This method demonstrates the importance of using appropriate tools and techniques to measure irregular shapes effectively.