Do you measure up?

By:Cassaundra Hisch

Standard 5: The Mathematical World

Numbers: 3.5.1 Select and use appropriate measuring units, such as centimeters (cm) and meters (m), grams (g) and kilograms (kg), and degrees Celsius (°C).

Activity modeled after http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/sci/sci_3_5_1.pdf

Definitions

Appropriate: Suitable for a particular condition, occasion, or place; fitting.

Measurement: The dimension, quantity, or capacity determined by measuring

Units: What the measurement is being done in, (example: inches)

Background Info

Knowing when to use measurements appropriately is important.

Here we will explore the importance of measurements and how to use them properly.

What’s missing from these sentences?

The worm is 3 long.

Katie’s plant grew 11 tall.

The school is 22 tall.

Yesterday it was 34 outside.

Did you figure it out?

Measurements are what is missing!

Why do we need measurements?

Did those sentences make sense without measurements?

Much Better!

These sentences make a lot more sense when we add in measurements!

The worm is 3 inches long.

Katie’s plant grew 11 centimeters tall.

The school is 22 feet tall.

Yesterday it was 34° outside.

How do we know?

You know measurements are important…

Now you may be wondering: How do I know what measurements to use?

Make a list of all the measurements you know how to use…

Measurements I Know

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Let’s compare our lists…

Centimeters (cm)

Meters (m)

Inches (in)

Feet (ft)

Yards (yd)

Millimeters (mm)

Miles (mi)

Kilometers (km)

Pounds (lbs)

Grams (g)

Milligrams (mg)

Tons (T)

Let’s get started!

Those were just some examples of measurements you may know how to use. There may be more.

With all of those how do you know when to use which one?

Length

Units for measuring in lengths include: millimeters, centimeters, inches, meters, feet, yards, miles, and kilometers.

Units in yellow are good for small measurements.

Units in blue are good for medium measurements.

Units in purple are used for long distances.

Medium Measurements

Feet, yards, and meters are used to measure things that aren’t big or small. Inches are also used in some cases.

Examples are:

The length of a car

The height of a tree

The length of a sports field

Small Measurements

Remember we commonly use millimeters, centimeters, and inches for these.

Example measurements include:

The width of a fingernail

The size of a pebble

The length of a pencil

Long Measurements

Miles and kilometers are commonly used for measuring long distances.

Examples of long measurements include:

Length of a trip

Length of a road

Example

Weight Measurements

Small weights are measured using milligrams or grams. (examples: the weight of a dime or pencil)

Medium weights are measured using pounds or kilograms. (examples: the weight of a person or animal)

Things that are heavy are usually measured in tons. (examples: trucks and cars)

Let’s Practice

You have a penny. What measurements should you use to find its:

Weight?

Height? (edge)

Diameter?

Answers

Weight- measure weight in grams or milligrams

Edge height- millimeters would work best for this

Diameter- centimeters or inches would make the most sense here.

In the bag you should find…

A worksheet

Various items

Rulers

Follow the directions on the worksheet!

Assessment

1. What measurement is appropriate for measuring the length of a pencil?

A. Yards

B. Pounds

C. Feet

D. Centimeters

Assessment

2. If I am wanting to weigh my dog, what measurement should I use?

A. Kilograms

B. Tons

C. Yards

D. Milligrams

Assessment

3. Which of the following would be best measured in yards?

A. The length of a shoe

B. The weight of your backpack

C. The length of a basketball court

D. The length of your thumb

Resources

Indiana Department of Education Standard Resources http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/sci/sci_3_5_1.pdf