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Maths Games

Outdoor measurement activities

Measure jumps, shadows, plants, puddles and playground distances.

Quick answer

Outdoor measurement activities help children learn to measure distance, height, volume, and weight using everyday objects and natural materials in the playground, garden, or park.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to measure things outside using simple tools and your own body parts, and you will know how to compare and record your measurements in a fun way. Success signs:
  • You can measure a jump, shadow, or plant using steps, hand spans, or a ruler
  • You can compare measurements using words like "bigger", "smaller", "taller", "shorter"
  • You can record your measurements with drawings or numbers
  • You can play a measurement game with a friend or family member

Why this matters

Outdoor measurement helps children understand that maths is all around them, not just in books or classrooms. When you measure things outside, you learn about size, distance, and how things compare. This helps with counting, comparing, and solving problems in real life. Whether you're measuring how far you can jump, how tall a tree is, or how much water a puddle holds, you're using maths skills that will help you in school and in your daily life.

How it works

Measurement is about finding out how big, long, tall, or heavy something is. To measure outside, you can use:
  • Your body parts like feet, hands, or arms
  • Simple tools like rulers, measuring tapes, or sticks
  • Objects around you like pebbles, blocks, or pencils
  • Comparing things to each other
First, you choose what you want to measure. Then, you pick a way to measure it. Finally, you record your findings and compare them with others.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're at the playground with your friend. You want to measure how far you can jump. Here's how you do it:
  1. Put one foot on the starting line
  2. Jump forward as far as you can
  3. Mark where your foot lands
  4. Measure the distance from the line to the mark using steps or a ruler
Now, let's measure your shadow on a sunny day:
  1. Stand still in the sunlight
  2. Use a stick or a ruler to measure the length of your shadow
  3. Record your measurement
You can also measure a plant in your garden:
  1. Use a ruler or a stick to measure how tall the plant is
  2. Record the height
  3. Measure again in a week to see if it grew

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Great Outdoor Measurement Hunt You are a young explorer on a mission to measure everything around you! Here's your quest:
  1. Find 3 things in your garden or playground that are longer than your arm
  2. Measure the height of a tree using a stick and some stones
  3. Measure how far you can jump using your feet
  4. Find a puddle and estimate how much water it holds
  5. Measure how long your shadow is in the morning and afternoon
For each task, draw a picture or write down your measurements. See who can find the tallest, longest, or biggest thing!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Measuring from the edge of the ruler instead of the start point.
    Why it happens: Children may not notice that the ruler starts at 0, not at the edge.
    Fix: Always start measuring from the zero mark on the ruler.
  • Mistake: Not lining up objects properly when measuring.
    Why it happens: It can be tricky to keep things straight when measuring.
    Fix: Use a straight edge or a stick to line up your objects.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to use the same units when comparing.
    Why it happens: It's easy to mix up centimetres and metres.
    Fix: Always say what unit you are using (like "metre" or "centimetre").
  • Mistake: Measuring with a broken or bent ruler.
    Why it happens: Sometimes rulers get damaged or bent.
    Fix: Check that your ruler is straight and not broken before measuring.
  • Mistake: Guessing instead of actually measuring.
    Why it happens: It's easier to guess than to take time to measure.
    Fix: Always use a tool or a body part to get an exact measurement.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can support children in outdoor measurement by:
  • Providing simple measuring tools like rulers, measuring tapes, or sticks
  • Encouraging children to ask questions like "How tall is that tree?" or "How far did you jump?"
  • Helping children record their findings in drawings or numbers
  • Playing measurement games together, like "How many steps does it take to walk to the gate?"
  • Reinforcing the idea that measurement helps us understand the world around us
  • Letting children lead the way in choosing what to measure
It's important not to worry if children get the measurement wrong at first. The key is that they are exploring and learning through play. You can also make it fun by turning it into a game or a story.

Practice questions

  1. How many steps would it take to walk from your bedroom to the kitchen?
  2. Measure the height of your favourite plant with a ruler. What is it in centimetres?
  3. How far can you jump? Use your feet to measure and record your distance.
  4. Measure the length of your shadow in the morning and in the afternoon. Which is longer?
  5. Find a puddle and estimate how much water it might hold. Use a cup or a bucket to measure.
Answers:
  1. Answer will vary depending on house size
  2. Answer will vary depending on plant size
  3. Answer will vary depending on jumping distance
  4. Answer will vary depending on sunlight
  5. Answer will vary depending on puddle size

FAQ

How can I help my child measure things outside?

Offer simple tools like rulers, measuring tapes, or even sticks. Let them choose what to measure and encourage them to compare sizes.

What are some good outdoor measurement tools?

Good tools include rulers, measuring tapes, metre sticks, hand spans, foot lengths, and even simple items like pebbles or pencils for non-standard measurements.

Can I measure anything outside?

Yes! You can measure jumps, shadows, plants, puddles, trees, flowers, toys, or even your own body parts like height or arm span.

Why is outdoor measurement fun?

Outdoor measurement is fun because it lets children explore and discover the world around them. It combines play with learning, making maths feel exciting and useful.

How can I make outdoor measurement more challenging?

Try measuring in different units (like metres and centimetres), comparing measurements, or making a chart to track changes over time, like how a plant grows.