LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 2

Measurement - The learner will use non-standard units of measure and tell time.

Objective 2.01

For given objects:

  • Select an attribute (length, capacity, mass) to measure (use non-standard units).
  • Develop strategies to estimate size.
  • Compare, using appropriate language, with respect to the attribute selected.

Resources aligned to this objective

Whole language reading: Pumpkin pie baking activity
A whole language literature-based reading lesson that culminates in a cooking extension activity.
Format: lesson plan (grade 1 English Language Arts and Mathematics)
By Amy Durso.
Plant power
Students will plant their own seeds in potting soil and measure plant growth. Before the students' plants are visible above the soil, students will explore the parts and functions of classroom plants and compare growth between the classroom plants. Using the weather channel website, students will predict weather the day's weather conditions are excellent, good, or poor for plant growth.
Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Mathematics and Science)
By Rhonda Hathcock.
Measurement centers
During a center-based activity groups of students will rotate around the classroom practicing non-standard unit of measurement concepts. In addition, they will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with measuring with rulers and will participate in a lesson about capacity.
Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Mathematics)
By Amy Kershaw.
Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate!
Using chocolate as a theme, students will become involved in reading, writing, math, word study/spelling and other developmentally appropriate (integrated) activities. The unit includes centers for the classroom along with whole group activities.
Format: lesson plan (grade 1 Mathematics)
By Luwonna Oakes.

Resources on the web

The weight of things
This lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, introduces and provides practice with the measurable attributes of weight. It also provides an opportunity to assess student knowledge of and skill in using measurement of mass. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Using the Number Line to Compare
Students determine differences using the number line to compare lengths. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Traveling Along: Measuring and Mapping -- Looking Back and Moving Forward
Students are provided with non-standard measuring tools such as paper clips, pencils, and Tangrams and are instructed to create and label a treasure map that leads to a special play area, a hidden treasure, or a favorite toy. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics and Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Shadows
This Science NetLinks lesson is part of a three-part series in which students observe the daytime and nighttime sky regularly to identify sequences of changes and to look for patterns in these changes. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Mathematics and Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Sampling rocks
Students learn about sampling through an investigation of rocks found in the schoolyard. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics and Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
My special place at school
Students use nonstandard units to measure a familiar space, record the results, and explain the process. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics and Science)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
My Pet
Students develop and use spatial relationships and spatial memory by creating a map of a pet. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
More or less estimator
This activity allows the user to estimate quantities and sizes including the number of objects in a set, the lengths of a curve, and the area of a shape (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade K–12 Mathematics)
Provided by: Shodor
Measuring with Teacher's Foot
Students use nonstandard units to measure the distance between objects found in their classroom. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Measuring with Our Foot
Students measure distances using an outline cutout of their own foot. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Measuring Me
Students use yarn to measure lengths such as arm span and height. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics and Science)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Mapping All of Me
Students use the knowledge and skills gained from previous lessons by placing yarn strips appropriately on 4' x 3' strips of paper and drawing around them to create a map of their body. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics and Science)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Magnificent Measurement: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Students use the mathematical knowledge and skills developed in the previous lessons to demonstrate understanding of and ability to apply that knowledge in a real-life context. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Look at those leaves!
Students observ attributes of leaves, group the leaves, and consider any patterns they see emerge. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
The Length of My Feet
Students focus on the attributes of length and develops their knowledge of and skill in using nonstandard units of measurement. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Learning to Measure with Ladybug
Students practice measuring with multiple units and a single unit, following methods modeled by the teacher. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics and Science)
Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics