Measuring Length Worksheets
Common Measurement Tools for Length - Length is the most commonly measured basic physical quantity. Out of the five fundamental physical quantities, the length is one of the first physical quantities that children learn about in school, and that is why they should be aware of the common tools that are being used for its measurement. Rulers - For kids, rulers are the most common tool they will use for measuring length. They usually begin to learn this technique by using the rulers and it starts will holding the tool in the right manner and position. It can measure lengths up to 30 centimeters and offers a precision of 1 millimeter. Meter Sticks - Another common tool for measuring length is a yardstick or a meter stick. When using a ruler is not convenient for measuring length, people use a meter stick or a yardstick. It can measure lengths up to 1 meter, and it offers a precision of 1 millimeter. Tape Measures - A tape measure is a commonly used measurement tool at home and at school. It is a flexible ruler that can be rolled up. Users need to pull out the flexible scale when they want to use it. A tape measure can measure a length of more than 1 meter up to 25 feet. These worksheets help students learn to understand how to measure length and the tools to measure other objects.
Aligned Standard: Grade 2 Measurement - 2.MD.1
- Step-by-Step Lesson- We at the following tool and what they are used to measure: measuring tape, measuring cups, rulers, scales, and yardsticks.
- How Long Are You? Worksheet- Measure length horizontally with this sheet.
- Picture-based Measurement 5 pack- How many cubes does each image take up.
- Picture-based Measurement 5 Packs Number 2- This is a continuation of the previous set.
- Estimate Length Problems- Objects that equal lengths. This is great to start them thinking on the concept of variables.
- Reading a Ruler (Metric System) 5-Pack- Practice reading a metric ruler. Lots of times.
- Guided Lesson - Three questions based on the tools that we learned in the lesson.
- Guided Lesson Explanation - I try to compare the tools a bit and attempt to explain associated units of measure with the tools.
- Practice Worksheet - We give you a scenario where you are in need of some random measure. You need to determine the tool you will need to complete the job.
- Matching Worksheet - Match the measurement tool to the object you are trying to measure.
- Answer Keys - These are for all the unlocked materials above.
Homework Sheets
Which tool makes the most sense to measure with?
- Homework 1- Which tool would you use to find out how heavy a basket of mangoes is?
- Homework 2- Color the blocks fully to measure the length of the objects. Fill in the blanks.
- Homework 3- Draw a line for the top of the glass to the cubes. Do the same for the bottom of the glass. How many cubes does it take up?
Practice Worksheets
We go over word problems; measuring in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
- Practice 1- Which tool would you most likely use to measure a potatoes and why?
- Practice 2- Which tool would you use to measure the amount of juice in a cup?
- Practice 3- Which tool would you use to find the length of a pen?
Math Skill Quizzes
There is a whole bunch of measurement going on here.
- Quiz 1- Write the measure on the ruler. Color the blocks fully to measure the length of the objects. Fill in the blanks.
- Quiz 2- Which tool would you use to measure the amount of water in a cup?
- Quiz 3- Which tool would you use to measure a square eraser? You will cover a wide span of tools here.
How to Measure Length Properly
1) Determine What to Measure
Real world objects have three sides (length, width, height). Length is the measure of the longest side of an object. When you are observing an object look for the side that takes up the most space.
2) Decide Which Measurement Tool Work Best for The Object
As we have talked about above, there are many different tools that you can use to determine length. You want to make sure that your tool fits your situation and the object you are gauging. It would difficult and inaccurate to use a device that is too small or too large. For example, if you had a standard 12 in ruler and 25-foot measuring tape available and had to measure the length of a section of fence the ruler simply would not work without a great deal of effort. If you were measuring a length of hair the measuring tape would be too cumbersome.
3) Determine Beginning and End of the Measure
These is a self-explanatory process, as far as seeing the start and end of the object. It will often help you to mark these locations and extend them by drawing them out. You can see this (arrows) in our image of the fish. This makes cleaner and more concise measures.
4) Know the Units of Your Tool
The United States uses US customary units. The remainder of the world uses the metric system. Every tool you use will have a label provided that displays the unit that it works off of. Note this and make sure that your final answer includes this unit either in full terms or abbreviation.
Fun Ways to Introduce This Concept to Students
Teachers are always looking for new ideas to help their students become more engaged in learning. When we are having fun, we forget we are learning, and we develop skills that become more concrete and stay with us for a long while. Here are couple of things you are going to want to do with your students to promote this skill and make it fun for students. Tape Measure Day - This is self-explanatory. Just give a group of three to four students a tape measure and have them measure the length of all types of objects around your room or around the school. Then at the completion of the lesson, share the standard measurement with them. Check their work to make sure that they get it. Ordering Items - You provide students a list of items that can be evaluated with a ruler and then have them list the series of items in order of measures from least to greatest or vice versa. Long Jump Day - This is one of my favorite strategies for getting through to kids. I go to the gym and borrow one of those eight foot floor safety mats. I then have contest in my room where students do a standing long jump while the student that went before them measures the distance that they have jumped. It is a ton of fun. I would recommend you be the judge of where the students land to provide a standard and then announce the measurements as it helps give a sense of accomplishment to the person jumping and measuring.