Measurement Lesson Plans

Study customary measurements with your sixth graders. They will investigate linear and capacity measurements to then measure and convert linear and capacity units. Finally they will work in small groups to conduct experiments. Resources are provided.

Explore various types of measurement with fourth graders. They will practice using balance pans to measure the weight of a coin and a graduated cylinder to determine the displacement volume for a bolt. The metric system will be the focus of measurement in this activity.

Examine the concept of variation through observation and measurement. Middle schoolers will study a peanut and record any distinguishing characteristics visible as well as sketch their peanuts and describe them in writing. Their peanut is put in a bag with others and they try to identify it. Young scholars then receive 15-20 peanuts in which they make measurements and examine the variation in length of the different peanuts and the variation in measurements.

Second graders list the different materials that can be used in measuring the lengths of objects (standard and nonstandard units of measurement). They directly compare the lengths of given objects and recognize the various units of measurements. They then compare lengths of objects in the classroom and measure objects by estimating their lengths.

Conduct guided experiments and discussions while collecting anthropometric measurements. Your class will explore impact of experimental errors in a scientific system, and explain their observations/findings in writing. An introduction to Bertillonage is included along with resources and links.

Explore the customary system for linear measurement and examine the meanings of inch and foot. Youngsters will listen to the book "How Tall, How Short, How Far Away?," and measure a variety of items in the class using nonstandard units of measurement. Students then measure and identify classroom items that are one inch or one foot long.

Etimate and explore the length and weight of classroom items using standard measurement and scales. Students will work in groups to determine appropriate measuring tools, weigh or measure items, and record their results on a data chart. They will also participate in a related online activity.

Looking for a way to help students appreciate the process of science? By interacting with the world around them, they will work effectively in a small group to take accurate measurements of a specific time. They will use knowledge of geometry and trigonometry to determine the measure of an angle in order to understand the research skills needed to achieve a common goal.

Have your class practice measuring and weighing "leprechaun's gold" for St. Patrick's Day. In this measurement lesson, learners work cooperatively to use scales to measure and weigh pretend gold. They use cups, tablespoons, and ounces to identify the gold's weight. 

Fourth graders are introduced to the various types of measurements. Using a recipe, they practice measuring out the correct amount of ingredients while making the food. They also practice using a scale and following the directions on a recipe.