Overview
This lecture introduces non-standard units of measurement, exploring their history, common examples (including those used in the Philippines), and their advantages and disadvantages.
Introduction to Measurement
- Measurement is used in daily activities like schoolwork, cooking, shopping, and travel.
- Before standard tools, people used what was available, such as their own bodies or local objects.
Non-Standard Units of Measurement
- Non-standard units are not universally fixed or consistent across users.
- These units often use body parts or natural objects to estimate size or quantity.
Historical and Common Non-Standard Units
- Cubit: Length from elbow to tip of middle finger, used in ancient Egypt and early civilizations.
- Hand Span: Distance from thumb to pinky when hand is fully spread, often used in tailoring.
- Foot: Based on the length of an adult foot, common for short measurements.
- Fathom: Distance between the fingertips of outstretched arms, about 6 feet, used in measuring depth (especially in navigation).
- Footstep/Pace: The length of a single step, used informally and in military contexts.
Non-Standard Units in the Philippines
- Kaban/Kavan: Traditional dry measure for rice, roughly 50 kg, but varies by region and time.
- Tabo: A small bucket or dipper, used to measure liquids, not standardized.
- Tumpok: A heap or pile of items; the amount is not precise.
- Local terms for common units:
- Hand span = Dangkal
- Foot = Talampakan
- Pace = Hakbang
- Fathom = Dipa
- Cubit = Bisig or Siko
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Advantages: Convenient, practical, quick, and requires no additional tools.
- Disadvantages: Inconsistent, not accurate, and can lead to unfair measurements.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Non-Standard Unit — Any measuring unit not universally agreed or consistent.
- Cubit — Distance from elbow to tip of middle finger.
- Hand Span (Dangkal) — Tip of thumb to tip of pinky with hand outstretched.
- Foot — Length of an adult foot.
- Fathom (Dipa) — Distance between outstretched arms’ fingertips (about 6 feet).
- Footstep/Pace (Hakbang) — Length of a single step.
- Kaban/Kavan — A traditional unit for measuring rice in the Philippines.
- Tabo — Small container used to transfer liquids.
- Tumpok — A pile or heap of items.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on and share other non-standard units you know in your area.
- Prepare for the next lesson on the English System of Measurement.