Measurement Through Our Run and Scream Sticks

To help support Orange Shirt Day, Truth and Reconciliation Day and learn about indigenous ways of learning, students were asked to find and bring in sticks to play a Blackfoot 'Run and Scream' game. 

This game was traditionally played by girls who are too old for dolls and too young for adult games but can be played by all ages and genders. Originally this game was played to help children build strength, endurance and also lung capacity. 

Before playing our 'Run and Scream' game, students were given the opportunity to decorate their sticks. Using paint, ribbons and beads, students individualized their sticks and were so excited to see how they would look while playing our game.

We also used our sticks to explore measurement. We began by discovering non-standard units of measurement. We discussed the importance of choosing something that had a constant size, for example, if I choose to use markers to measure my stick I needed to use the same type of marker. 

 

Students then began measuring their Run and Scream sticks using standard units of measurement. Students were asked to determine which of our most common units such as millimetres, centimetres and metres would make sense for them to use to measure their sticks.

 

Physical Education Learning Outcome:

Students examine and integrate tactics in a variety of physical activity contexts.

Learning Attentions:

• investigate how tactics in First Nations, Métis, or Inuit physical activities and games help to develop skills for everyday life.

Mathematics Learning Outcome:

Students determine length using standard units.

Learning Attentions:

• Relate millimetres, centimetres and metres.
• Justify the choices of millimetres, centimetres or metres to measure various lengths.
• Measure lengths of straight lines and curves, with millimetres, centimetres, or metres.