Measuring length (age 7+)
Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, metre sticks, and measuring tapes
What a learner can do afterwards
- Choose the most appropriate tool for measuring a given object
- Align the zero mark of a ruler with the end of the object and read the measurement
- Measure lengths in inches, feet, centimetres, and metres using the correct tool
The lesson
You already know how to measure with a ruler. A ruler is great for a pencil or a book. But some things are too long for a short ruler. For those, you need a longer tool: a yardstick, a metre stick, or a measuring tape.
Ana needs to measure a piece of fabric that is about 80 cm long. Her ruler only goes up to 30 cm, so she picks a measuring tape instead. She lines up the zero end of the tape with one edge of the fabric and reads 80 cm at the other edge.
Always start at the 0 mark, not the edge of the ruler. And match the tool to the job: short ruler for small things, tape measure or metre stick for long ones.
Pick a tool long enough for the job, line up its zero mark, and read the length in the right unit.
Watch it
Where it sits
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.