Five pages about measuring the same length with different units. Every cube in the pack is the same size, a paper clip is always 2 cubes long and a long block is always 3 cubes long, so every count comes out exact. On page 1 each thing is measured twice, with two rows of units laid end to end from its end (cubes and blocks, cubes and clips, clips and blocks); students write both counts and circle the unit they needed more of. Page 2 shows each thing measured three ways, and only one is right: the others leave gaps, overlap, mix two sizes of unit or do not start at the end. Students circle the right one and write its length. Page 3 has a cube strip and a clip strip to cut out, a measuring tool made of equal units, and five things to measure with both. On page 4 three children measured the same table with paper clips, pencils and crayons; students match the counts 4, 6 and 12 to the units, then change clips and blocks into cubes and cubes into clips, and predict whether longer units will need more or fewer. Page 5 puts the rule into words: circle more or fewer, decide true or false, and write why two right answers can have different numbers.
Before page 1, have pairs measure a book with linking cubes and then with paper clips, and write both numbers on the board. Ask why the numbers are different when the book did not change. Page 2 makes a good class talk: act out each mistake with real cubes (leave gaps, overlap them, start in the middle) and count again. For page 3, cut out the strips together and practice lining the left edge up with the end of a pencil.
Measure the same table with spoons, then with forks or shoes. Before you count, guess: will it take more spoons or more shoes? Keep the strips from page 3 and measure toys, books and the remote control with them.
This pack supports the following Common Core State Standards for Mathematics:
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A 5-page measuring pack for 1st and 2nd grade about why one length gets a different number with a different unit. Measure five things two ways, with cubes, paper clips and long blocks, and circle the unit you needed more of. Pick the picture that is measured the right way: no gaps, no overlaps, one size of unit and a start at the very end. Cut out a cube strip and a clip strip and measure with both, match three children's counts for one table to their units, change between clips, blocks and cubes, and finish with the rule: the smaller the unit, the more units you need. Every page comes in color and in black and white. Answer keys included.
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