Measuring with Broad Beans

Growing with Maths: Broad Beans – Lesson 1 of 5

Name:

Date:

🌱 WALT (We Are Learning To)

Accurately measure length in centimetres (cm) and volume in millilitres (mL) using the correct tools — and connect this to real-life gardening!

✅ Success Criteria

I can measure broad bean seeds using centimetres (cm).

I can measure soil volume using millilitres (mL).

I can explain why I chose the tool and unit I used.

📏 Helpful Benchmarks

🔹 1 cm is about the width of your thumb. | Roa – Length

🔹 100 mL is about a small cup of water. | Rōrahi – Volume

🔹 Centimetres → use a ruler | Millilitres → use a measuring jug

🌿 Part 1: Measuring Broad Bean Seeds (Length – Roa)

Instructions: Use your ruler to measure 3 broad bean seeds. Record each measurement in centimetres (cm). Use the sentence starter to help you.

Sentence starter: "The seed is _______ cm long."

1. Measure Seed 1. Record your measurement:

The seed is _______ cm long.

2. Measure Seed 2. Record your measurement:

The seed is _______ cm long.

3. Measure Seed 3. Record your measurement:

The seed is _______ cm long.

4. Which seed was the longest? Circle your answer:

Seed 1

Seed 2

Seed 3

They were all the same

5. Were all the seeds the same length? Why do you think that is?

Sentence starter: "The seeds were / were not the same length because…"

💧 Part 2: Measuring Soil Volume (Rōrahi)

Instructions: Use the measuring jug to measure soil for your pot. Record your measurements in millilitres (mL).

Sentence starter: "I measured _______ mL of soil."

6. How much soil did you measure for your pot?

I measured _______ mL of soil.

7. Which tool did you use to measure the soil? Why was this the right tool?

Sentence starter: "I used a _______ because…"

8. 500 mL is the same as 0.5 L (half a litre). Did you use more or less than 500 mL of soil?

More than 500 mL

Less than 500 mL

Exactly 500 mL

9. 🌱 Reflection: Why is measuring important in gardening? Use the sentence starter below.

Sentence starter: "Measuring is important in gardening because…"

🚀 Extension Activity (Advanced Learners)

Did you know that not all countries use centimetres and millilitres? Research and answer the questions below.

10. Name ONE unit used in other countries to measure length (instead of centimetres):

Unit: _______________ Country that uses it: _______________

11. Name ONE unit used in other countries to measure volume (instead of millilitres):

Unit: _______________ Country that uses it: _______________

12. New Zealand uses the metric system, which is based on tens and hundreds (place value). Write one reason why you think this makes measuring easier: