Measure a length with units that stay the same

A line of mixed-size pieces produces a count, but not a consistent measurement. Use equal units placed carefully so children can explain how the count relates to the length being measured.

To hand: Paper strips and identical blocks.

Choose one unit. Place units along a strip. Record how many cover the length.

Watch for gaps, overlaps and changing units

Place equal units end to end without gaps or overlaps. A measurement count depends on the chosen unit and placement method.

A length covered by six identical units should be described using those units, not as six centimetres without a scale.

Were any gaps or overlaps introduced? Use large pre-aligned units.

Unit consistency matters more than an impressive-looking number.

Resources

• Reflection Journal Template — Use the blank reflection space for observations; write the measurement units and setup separately.

Further reading

• ASIC Moneysmart — teaching lesson plans
• Australian Curriculum Version 9 — Mathematics

Read next

• Where does this ruler's measurement begin?
• Elapsed time across the hour: draw the interval
• A bar graph's scale changes how height should be read

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