Measurements are so often taken for granted we sometimes do not appreciate
the grand importance measurements play in our lives. On a baseline
level, measurements fall into the categories of weight, area, volume,
length and even temperature. While we look at these various categories
as stoic forms of mathematical measurements a closer examination of
things we do in everyday life reveals their clear importance.
Taking proper medicine.If you an illness (whether serious or minor)
you need to take your medicine and take it in the proper amount. If
you take too little or too much then you are not going to get the
proper benefit from it.
Cooking properly. Cooking of all forms is based on proper attention
to measurement. Can you bake a chicken at 600 degrees? Well, you can
but the results would be pretty catastrophic! Could you may a cup
of tea by dipping a tea bag into a teaspoon of warm water?
Purchasing clothes. Now, how important could measurements be when
selecting clothes? After all, to look good in clothing the main thing
you need to pay attention to is style, right? Well, if you weigh 200lbs
you aren't going to look stylish in an extra small shirt. Clothing
is all based on size and proper fitting which are, of course, variants
of measurement.
Playing sports. The importance of measurements may not necessarily
reveal itself when you play sports but it is there in a big way. If
you want to throw a runner out at first or make a 30 yard touchdown
pass then you really need to be accurate and comes from a clear sense
of depth and distance.
Making estimations. If you have to be at school at 9am what time
would you have to leave in the morning if you are at your friend's
house. Often we do not have an exact answer so we need to make an
estimation which is essentially a guess of measurement.
Keeping yourself warm or cool. If the temperature outside dips or
increases you have to make an adjustment on your thermostat in order
to remain at a safe and healthy temperature. Understanding the measurement
scale of a thermostat is critical in this regard or else you may find
yourself feeling rather uncomfortable.
Understanding weight. Is that object too heavy to pick up by yourself
or do you need to use something to lift it? Some may think this is
not important but it is pretty easy to hurt yourself if you lift objects
that are too heavy.
Proper use of capacity. Just how many clothes can you fit in a dresser
or closet without it becoming too crammed? Without a clear concept
of capacity you might find yourself pouring an entire half gallon
of orange juice into a small glass!
Telling time. The ability to tell time is all based on measurement
principles. Whether you are using a digital clock or an hourglass
these devices measure the passage of time. Now, imagine how chaotic
the world would be if if was impossible to measure the passage of
time.
Transportation. How much weight is too much for a plane to take off
or a car to move efficiently? How much fuel is needed to reach a certain
point and how long will it take to get somewhere? Yes, measurements
play a significant part in transportation.
Structure. This was saved for last because it is the common theme
that is found in all the multitude of reasons for the importance of
measurements. Measurements provide structure and remove the chaos
that would result without any congruent method of understanding weight,
mass, temperature, etc.
