Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy - A bed for a giant

Adult:

I've just had a thought, Simon. We really ought to put on our plan somewhere about how big it's got to be. How are we going do that?

Pupil1:

Erm, don't know. Erm…

Adult:

If you were a real designer, how do you think they work out… how big you need to make things?

Child 1:

Erm, 30 bits long?

Adult:

Pardon?

Child 1:

30 bits long?

Adult:

30 bits long? What does that mean, then?

Child 1:

That means… very long.

Adult:

Very long. Does that mean you're going to measure, is that what you mean?

Child 1:

Measure.

Adult:

And what's the bit? What are you going to use to measure it?

Child 1:

Ruler!

Adult:

You could use a ruler, yes. Do you want to go get a ruler?

Child 1:

[goes to fetch ruler]

Adult:

Oh, right, you've got one of those, have you?

Child 2:

I'm going to put mine there.

Adult:

30 of those, do you think?

Child 1:

40.

Child 2:

I'm putting it next to yours.

Adult:

30? Shall we see if… I like your hat, Jake.

Child 1:

I think it might be two; that might be enough. Just two, I think. I mean four, four!

Adult:

Four, four, well, shall we try measuring this part of the carpet with your big stick, yes? Shall I show you how to do it? Right, if you lay it down, like this, OK, right, that's one stick, yes? Then you pick it up and you move it. That's two sticks. Put your finger at the end, where it's got to. Pick it up and move it. That's three sticks, right, put your finger at the end. Pick it up and move it.

Child 1:

From here?

Adult:

That's right, from there. Do you know, you were absolutely spot on? Four sticks long. Here, do you think that will be long enough for the giant?

Child 1:

[something inaudible]

Adult:

It can go…

Child 3:

Look!

Adult:

Hang on a minute, Brandon, Simon's talking to me. It can go up to there.

Child 1:

Actually, I think it can go up to there.

Adult:

It can go up to there. And do you think that's big enough for the giant? Would that be big enough for me?

Child 1:

[nods]

Adult:

Yes, it would be. Would it be much too big for me?

Child 1:

[shakes head]

Adult:

No? Do you think I…

Child 1:

[nods]

Adult:

Yes, I think it would be. If it's much too big for me, it might just be big enough for the giant.

[End of Audio]