2nd / Unit of Study14:Strengthening Critical Areas: Using Standard Units of Measure / Projected Time Allotment:5 days
Global Concept Guides:Applying Standard Units of Measure
Prior Learning:MAFS.1.MD.1, MAFS.1.MD.3.4
Progressions Document Link
Show What You Know Task:See Go Math Ch. Tests 8 and 9 that were already given.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Content:
Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.
MAFS.2.MD.1.1Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.
MAFS.2.MD.1.2Measure 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.
MAFS.2.MD.1.3Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.
Relate addition and subtraction to length.
MAFS.2.MD.2.5 Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving lengths that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as drawing or rulers) and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
MAFS.2.MD.2.6Represent whole numbers as lengths from 0 on a number line diagram with equally spaced points corresponding to the numbers 0, 1, 2, …, and represent whole-number sums and differences within 100 on a number line diagram.
Represent and interpret data.
MAFS.2.MD.4.9Generate measurement data by measuring lengths of several objects to the nearest whole unit, or by making repeated measurements of the same object. Show the measurements by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in whole-number units. / Comments:
This parent flyer and included video can be utilized by both you and parents to build content knowledge and understanding of the strategies highlighted in this unit.
Notes on Assessment:
See common performance task link below.
Unpacking the Standards for this Unit:
Using standard units of measure is one of the four critical areas on which instructional time should focus. Students recognize the need for standard units of measure (centimeter and inch) and they use rulers and other measurement tools with the understanding that linear measure involves iteration of units. They recognize that the smaller the unit, the more iterations they need to cover a given length. (Common Core Standards for Mathematics, p. 17)
Common Performance Task with Rubric for this Unit:
Students will measure a variety ofobjects in cm and record their findings in a chart. Then students will create a line plot to display the data.
Click here for common performance task and rubric.
Future learning: Students’ mastery of the concept - the smaller the unit, the more iterations needed to cover a given area - allows students to make sense of converting measurements in future grades. For example, understanding that you will need more feet than yards to cover a given area because feet are smaller than yards.
2nd / Global Concept 1 of 1 for this Unit of Study:Applying Standard Units of Measure / Projected Time Allotment:4 Days
Sample Essential Questions:
Day 1: How does using a different tool change my measurement?
Day 2: How can you estimate a measurement or value?
Days 3 and 4: Why is it important for us to know how to measure different objects using different tools of measurement?
Related Unit 14 Assessment:See common performance task below.
Instructional Resources
Manipulatives:
  • Rulers in inches and centimeters
  • Measuring tape
  • Yard and meter stick
  • Cuisenaire rods
Lesson Ideas:
  • Footsteps on the Rugand Task Sheet - In this task, students reason about measuring with units of difference sizes. Students will come to realize that the same item will have a different result when measured with different units.
  • Are they the same length? - This lesson uses a discovery approach to exploring the meaning of measurement using two different units.
  • Feet and Inches Students measure the length of a line twice and are given an opportunity to explain why the line measures in fewer feet than inches.
  • Can I make a Reasonable Guess? This lesson uses a discovery approach to estimate the length of objects using inches, feet, meters and centimeters
  • Measurement Mania- This lesson provides students with a hands-on opportunity to estimate and measure real - world objects. The students will be using various units of measure.
  • Measuring Madness- This lesson consists of a fun inquiry-based activity that guides children to understand how to estimate lengths using inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.
  • Giant Measurements -In this task, students build “giants” from butcher paper to meet certain length specifications. They then compare their giant to another giant.
  • See PowerPoint for lesson ideas to address specific standards according to student performance with previous measurement units.
For more information about integrating the content within this GCG click herefor the PowerPoint.
Sample HOT Questions: Use these to facilitate student discussions. (SMP 1, 3)
  • Why do we need to be able to estimate measurements?
  • How do you know if your estimate was reasonable?
  • How can you organize the data?
  • Can I compare measurements if the units are not the same?

Our students are better able to…
  • Determine the best unit and tool for measuring an item and find an exact measurement (SMP 1, 5, 6).
  • Understand that a ruler is a representation of units (not simply counting marks) and focus on spaces between the marks for measurement (SMP 5, 6, 7).
  • Accurately describe units of measurement and lengths by using precise language: i.e., centimeters, meters, inches, feet, line plot (SMP 6).
For more info on SMP’s click here. / Because as teachers we…
  • Provide students with authentic measurement experiences to build their knowledge of measurement structures (SMP 4, 7).
  • Give students numerous experiences to practice measuring and insist they precisely name the units (inches & feet) they are using (SMP 6).