Keep the Number and Unit Together

Worked classroom example

Physics

Worked example

Learners record “12 cm extension at 2 N”, not just “12” and “2”, so the measured quantity remains clear.

Teaching sequence

1. Prepare a spoken procedure measuring a 12 cm spring extension under a 2 N force. Introduce keep the number and unit together with one clear success criterion: record each quantity with its unit and the object or condition it describes; check that no unit is separated from its value.
2. Model one short example from a spoken measurement procedure. Think aloud about the language choice and the subject evidence; invite learners to test the example with a partner.
3. Learners apply the move to a new piece of Physics content. Use the prompt “What does each number measure, and in which unit?” to check whether their language matches their evidence.
4. Collect one independent response. Compare a learner’s notes with the spoken procedure and check both value and unit. Record one next step and adjust the scaffold to what this response shows.

Try it tomorrow

Record each quantity with its unit and the object or condition it describes; check that no unit is separated from its value.

Independent check

Compare a learner’s notes with the spoken procedure and check both value and unit.

Scaffold built into this activity: More scaffold

Use a three-column note frame: quantity / value / unit, with one example completed.

Teacher language

Ask learners to point to the evidence, wording or feature behind their answer. Give thinking time before inviting a revision.

Adjust the support

More support

Use a three-column note frame: quantity / value / unit, with one example completed.

Greater independence

Give a new procedure containing a converted unit and ask learners to explain the conversion.

Use the response to choose the next step; the scaffold label describes this activity design, not the learner.