1st GradeMeasuring lengthabout 2 minCCSS 1.MD.A.2Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units, by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end; understand that the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps or overlaps. Limit to contexts where the object being measured is spanned by a whole number of length units with no gaps or overlaps.CCSS 2.MD.A.2Measure the length of an object twice, using length units of different lengths for the two measurements; describe how the two measurements relate to the size of the unit chosen.+0
Measure a blue whale with kids, and the way to the Moon with Earths.
Lesson Plan
Practice measuring length with nonstandard units, and see why a smaller unit gives a bigger count.
Question: Ask what students spot and what they are curious about. Read “How many kids long is it?” aloud. Have each student guess and say why.
Question: Read “More or fewer than 25?” aloud. Have partners explain their guesses to each other.
Big idea: Pause. Ask a student to say the idea in their own words.
Question: Read “How many Earths away?” aloud. Ask a student who guessed differently to explain.
Real-world application: Ask: Where else have you seen this?
Your turn: Have students try their own. Ask them to predict before they test.
How to run it
Whole classPut the lesson on the board. At each choice the class votes, then you select the winner.
SoloShare the link, QR code, or post to Google Classroom. Each student gets to take their own path.
