Theory of Measurement
The Theory of Measurement (ToM) construct describes how children come to understand foundations of measurement, such as the nature of units and how scales are constructed to aid measurement. The construct focuses primarily on linear measure, although the foundations of linear measure, such as the role of identical units, have counterparts in other forms of measurement as well.
Learning about measurement involves a fusion of practical activity (e.g., how to use tools) and the conceptual underpinnings of unit and scale (e.g., units should be identical, the origin of the scale is labeled as zero). Sound knowledge of measurement serves as a resource for the Model Measure approach to data and chance.
Levels
1 Identify the object/event to be measured
2 Identify and characterize the attribute of the object to be measured. Direct comparison of attributes.
3 Explain/ Justify/ Demonstrate use of particular properties of a unit of measure.
4 Consider properties of unit in relation to goals of measurement.
5 Coordinate units to constitute a scale.
6 Predict the effects of changes in unit on measure or on scale.
7 Use theory of measurement to solve novel problems.