Lesson 104: Classroom measurement project

🧮 MATH (40 Lessons) • 🟡 C. Shapes and Measurement

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Objective

I can plan and do a simple measurement project in my classroom. I can choose one unit (like steps, blocks, or paper clips), measure objects, write down my results, and say which objects are longer, shorter, or about the same length.

Materials

Mini-lesson — A classroom measurement project

In this lesson, you learn what a measurement project is. Instead of measuring just one thing, you measure many objects and collect all your results in a simple chart.

What is a measurement project?

  • You choose several objects to measure (like a desk, a book, or a rug).
  • You use one unit again and again to measure them.
  • You write your measurements in a list or chart so you can compare them.

Nonstandard units

  • A unit is a small piece you repeat, like steps, hand spans, blocks, or paper clips.
  • These are called nonstandard units because they are not from a ruler.
  • Using the same unit for all objects makes your project fair.

Measuring with a unit

  • You place your unit from one end of the object to the other end.
  • For steps, you take careful, even steps along the object.
  • You count how many units it takes and say a sentence, like: "The desk is 6 steps long."

Making a simple chart

  • A chart usually has two columns: Object and Length.
  • You write the name of each object and how many units long it is (for example, desk — 6 steps).
  • The chart helps you see all your measurements at once.

Longer, shorter, and about the same

  • If one object has a bigger number, it is longer.
  • If it has a smaller number, it is shorter.
  • If the numbers are close, you can say they are about the same length.

Centimeters (cm) on a ruler

  • Adults often use centimeters (cm) on a ruler to measure length.
  • You can look at a ruler and say the name centimeters or cm.
  • Later, you can learn how your nonstandard units compare to centimeters.

A good measurement project uses one clear unit, careful measuring, and a simple chart so you can talk about which objects are longer, shorter, or about the same length.

Picture strip: Measurement chart and hand-span example.

Sample measurement chart

Hand spans as a unit

Guided Practice — Your own measurement project

Now you start your own measurement project. You will choose one unit, measure real objects, and use the tracing pad to write important words and numbers.

  1. Choose your unit: Pick one unit: steps, hand spans, blocks, or paper clips. You will use this same unit for all objects.
  2. Pick 3 to 5 objects: Choose things like a desk, carpet, book, or water bottle.
  3. Measure each object: Start at one end and carefully line up your units from one end to the other. Count how many units long each object is.
  4. Make a chart: On your paper, draw two columns: Object and Length. Write each object and how many units it is (for example, desk — 6 steps).
  5. Compare your results: Look at your numbers and say which object is longer, which is shorter, and which are about the same length.
  6. Use the tracing pad: Choose two or three important words (like longer, shorter, or steps) and trace them on the tracing pad.
  7. Add a mini picture: Next to your traced words, draw a tiny picture of one object and show how many units long it is.
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: After you trace words like longer and shorter, you can write a sentence such as "My desk is longer than my carpet." and draw a matching picture.

Practice 1 — Measuring with steps or hand spans

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 1]

Practice 2 — Measuring with blocks or paper clips

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 2]

Practice 3 — Reading and talking about your chart

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 3]

Quick Check — Classroom measurement project

Answer each question about choosing units, measuring objects, and comparing longer and shorter. You may look back at the mini-lesson and your own measurement chart.

1) Which is a good unit for this project?

Hand spans are a small, repeatable unit for measuring length.

2) Why should you use the same unit for all objects?

When you use the same unit, you can compare which objects are longer or shorter.

3) Which unit is best for measuring the length of your classroom?

Steps are bigger, so they are better for long distances like a classroom.

4) Which unit is best for measuring a pencil?

Small units like blocks or paper clips work well for small objects.

5) Your chart says: desk — 6 steps, carpet — 4 steps. Which is longer?

6 steps is more than 4 steps, so the desk is longer.

6) Your chart says: book — 4 blocks, notebook — 4 blocks. What can you say?

Both are 4 blocks long, so they are about the same length.

7) You measure a rug as 5 hand spans. What does the number 5 tell you?

It means you needed 5 hand spans to go from one end of the rug to the other.

8) Which sentence is true?

With the same unit, a bigger number means a longer object.

9) Which of these looks most like a measurement chart?

A chart for measurements usually has object names and lengths in columns.

10) Which word do we use to compare two objects?

Longer is a word we use to compare the lengths of two objects.

11) Your chart says: door — 8 steps, shelf — 3 steps. Which is shorter?

3 steps is less than 8 steps, so the shelf is shorter.

12) What is a good rule for taking steps as a unit?

Steps should be about the same size so the measurements are fair.

13) Which unit do adults use on a ruler for length?

Rulers often show centimeters (cm) for measuring length.

14) Your chart has a mistake: you measured some objects in steps and some in paper clips, but you did not say which unit. What should you do?

You should keep units clear so people understand your measurements.

15) Why do we do a classroom measurement project?

The project helps you practise measuring and comparing real objects.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

Next time I will practise…

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