Today, I will determine the appropriate tool to measure an object in metric units of length.
Vocabulary
Teacher Resources
Metric Units of Length: 1 centimeter (cm) = about the width of the pinky finger (Measured using a ruler) 1 meter (m) = 100 centimeters, about the length from the nose to outstretched fingers (Measured using a meter stick) Ruler
Considerations: In 1st grade, students had the experience of measuring with nonstandard units. They should know the smaller the unit of measurement, the more you will need. Giving second graders the opportunity to create and use a variety of rulers can help them connect their understanding of non-standard units from first grade to standard units in second grade. Make sure students have access to rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and tape measures for this unit. If an object is not exactly a centimeter or a meter, have students round to the closest centimeter or meter.
Steps: 1. Determine which measuring tool to use.
Meter stick
2. Align the edge of the object to the edge of the ruler. 3. Follow the object to the point on the ruler where the object ends.
Tape Measure
Application of MPs: MP5: What tool did you use to help you solve the problem? MP6: What do you need to do to ensure your answers are correct when measuring? MP7: What concepts or rules helped you determine how to measure each length?
2. Determine the most appropriate unit of measurement to find the length of your pinkie. Use the appropriate tool to measure this length.
Tool: Length:
MP6: What do you need to do to ensure your answers are correct when measuring? MP7: What concepts or rules helped you determine how to measure each length?
2. Determine the most appropriate unit of measurement to find the height of the person sitting next to you. Use the appropriate tool to measure this length.
3. Determine the most appropriate unit of measurement to find the height of your school desk. Use the appropriate tool to measure this height
Date: ______________________________
2. Determine the most appropriate unit of measurement to find the length of a marker. Use the appropriate tool to measure this length. Tool: ___________________________ Length: ________________________
4. What tool would be most appropriate to use to measure the length of a whiteboard marker? Why? ________________________________
1. What would be the most appropriate tool to use when measuring around the outside of a soccer ball ? Why?
2. What would be the most appropriate tool to use when measuring the length of a soccer field? Why?
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
Extension
*MP4: How can you relate this to something in real life?
Make 2 lists of items that you see in the classroom that you would measure in centimeters or meters.
Reaching Consensus
*MP3: Do you agree/disagree with what
said?
Student Presentations
*MP6: How do you know your answers are correct/reasonable?
Recap today’s lesson with one or more of the following MP questions: MP5: What tool did you use to help you solve the problem? MP6: What do you need to do to ensure your answers are correct when
measuring?
MP7: What concepts or rules helped you determine how to measure each
_______________________________ 3. Determine the most appropriate unit of measurement to find the length of your toothbrush. Use the appropriate tool to measure this length.
4. What tool would be most appropriate to use to measure the length of a dresser? Why? ________________________________ ________________________________
Tool: __________________________
________________________________
Length: _______________________
________________________________
5. What tool would be most appropriate to use to measure the height of a bike? Why? _______________________________
6. Determine the most appropriate unit of measurement to find the length of a fork. Use the appropriate tool to measure this length.