Activity

Measurement using Gilli Danda

Class 6
Chapter:
Concept:

Compare the measurement of length for an object using a scientific instrument and an unscientific instrument in order to differentiate between standard and non-standard units of
measurement
Distinguish between rest and motion in order to classify objects as Rest and Motion
Check out the procedures to find the errors associated with finding measurements using standard measurement devices

Setting up:

Divide entire class into 2 groups based on class strength.
Each group to have 2 teams (Team A and Team B) of equal no of members.
Groups to play Game of Gilli Danda (also spelled Gulli-Danda) also known as Viti Dandu, Kitti-Pul and by other variations.
"Gilli danda" is played with two pieces of equipment a danda, being a long wooden stick, and a gilli, a small oval-shaped piece of wood.
There are no specific dimensions of gillidanda and it does not have a limited number of players. Conventionally, the longer stick in a guli khel, should be about 1+12 ft (0.46 m) and the shorter stick about 6 in (150 mm).

How to play Gilli Danda:

It is played with four or more players of even numbers.
Standing in a small circle, the player balances the gilli on a stone in an inclined manner (somewhat like a see-saw) with one end of the gilli touching the ground while the other end is in the air. The player then uses the danda to hit the gilli at the raised end, which flips it into the air.
While it is in the air, the player strikes the gilli, hitting it as far as possible. Having struck the gilli, the player is required to run and touch a pre-agreed point outside the circle before the gilli is retrieved by an opponent.
The gilli becomes airborne after it is struck. If a fielder from the opposing team catches the gilli, the striker is out.
If the gilli lands on the ground, the fielder closest to the gilli has one chance to hit the danda (which has to be placed on top of the circle used) with a throw (similar to a run out in cricket).
If the fielder is successful, the striker is out; if not, the striker scores one point and gets another opportunity to strike.
The team (or individual) with the most points wins the game. If the striker fails to hit the gilli in three tries, the striker is out (similar to a strikeout in baseball).
After the gilli has been struck, the opposing players need to return to the circle or, in the best case, catch it in mid-air without it hitting the ground this was believed to have later evolved into a Catch Out in cricket and baseball.

Activity to be performed at the end of play:

Measurement of Gilli or Danda using Arm length, Palm etc. (unscientific instruments) - show how the reading differs from one student to another
Measurement of Gilli or Danda using a Measuring Scale (scientific instruments) - show how the reading is the same (approximately)
Circular pit of handspan arm
Positioning of players with footsteps and by measuring tape
Measures of Distances of Gilli in the Ground to be done in S.I. Units
They can note the record the measurements in a tabular form and convert to bar chart

Team Member Names	Distance of Gilli (by footsteps / handspan / another tool)	Distance of Gilli (by Measuring Tape)	Conversion to S.I. Unit

Concept to be explained:

Objects at rest
1. When the Gilli is resting on the ground
2. When the Danda is not moved
3. Position of fielders
Objects in motion
1. When Danda moves from it's initial position to being swung on the air to hit the Gilli and follow through
2. When Gilli is airborne

Introduce additional concepts of distance (any path) and displacement (shortest distance).

While playing Gilli Danda, safe distance must be kept by the fielders from the striker so that the Gilli doesn't hit the eye.

Gilli and Danda (Children may also be encouraged to make their own Gilli and Danda by cutting and polishing of sides and carry with them)
Measuring Tape (Scientific Instrument)
Rope, Branch of Tree etc. (Unscientific Instrument)