Measuring Length in Meters Worksheets
The standard metric unit of length is a meter. When converted to US customary units a meter measures 3 feet and 3 inches. The United States is not the only country in the world that does not use the metric system. Liberia and Myanmar do not follow this system of measurement either, but they are taking steps to remedy this to make international trade easier and more efficient. Think about the extra steps that you must take when you are trading, let's say rugs with a merchant from a country that uses a different system of measuring. Before you begin to understand the terms of a deal you must first convert the length into your system and then evaluate the price based on measure of length. This makes trading with those countries less desirable. Using these worksheets students will learn how to make measurements in the form of metric units for length (meters). We will work on observation skills as well as some grade level appropriate calculations.
Aligned Standard: Grade 2 Measurement - 2.MD.4
- Step-by-step Lesson- We transition from calling those measurement blocks one standard unit of measure to one meter of distance.
- Guided Lesson - How many meters of width are these pictures?
- Guided Lesson Explanation - We convert the blocks to meters of width and move on to compare the width of two objects.
- Practice Worksheet - We are focusing on the width of some of these objects. I will make a new set on specifically length soon.
- Matching Worksheet - Match the objects to the number of meters wide or long they are.
- Answer Keys - These are for all the unlocked materials above.
I seem to always use animals for the examples here. I'm not sure why I did that.
- Homework 1- Each square below represents a meter of distance. Circle the object that is longer. How much larger is that object?
- Homework 2-As you see, the lion's length is 7 squares or 7 meters. The length tiger image is 5 squares. So its height is 5 meters. 7 meters is greater than 5 meters by 2 meters (7-5 = 2).
- Homework 3- As you see, the camel's length is 4 squares or 4 meters. The length elephant length is 5 squares. So its height is 5 meters. 5 meters is greater than 4 meters by 1 meter (5 - 4 = 1).
The focus is on horizontal distance or length of items.
- Practice 1- Silverware and animals to measure.
- Practice 2- Measure up the birds, fruits, and cars.
- Practice 3- Vegetables, paper products, and sandwiches.
Math Skill Quizzes
We're always looking for the longer object. You could have them count units of measure too.
- Quiz 1- There are six problems to this quiz.
- Quiz 2- The scoring key can be found at the bottom of the page.
- Quiz 3- The answer keys can be found on page number 2.
What Are the Common Units of Measurement for Length?
To realize the common units of length, understanding the definition of length is crucial. It is the distance, stretch, or longitudinal area of an object. In other words, it describes the distance or height of an object. Length can be measured in several units, depending on the type of object being measured. Most probably, in word problems, you will be required to measure lengths in many units. To solve these problems, understanding and memorizing the units of length is as important as understanding the concept of length. The most common units of lengths are:
Millimeters: A metric unit mostly used for expressing the length and thickness of small objects. For example, a notebook.
Meters: Used for slightly bigger objects as well as the measurement of cloth.
Centimeters: This metric unit is used to denote a person's height as well as express the length of small objects.
Inches: Mostly used for expressing heights and is a bigger unit.
Foot: This unit is used to express items and objects that are quite long. It is equivalent to 12 inches and used to measure trees and buildings.
The Common Conversions of Length from a Meter
In the metric world we worry mostly about converting between centimeters and millimeters. You will sometimes need to work with much smaller distances in molecular sciences and chemistry. You may also find yourself working with much larger ranges such as hectometers or kilometers when you are working on construction and infrastructure projects. A meter is the equivalent of 1,000 millimeters. It is also equal to 100 centimeters. In the non-metric world, it is all about feet and inches. There are 39.27 inches or 3.28 feet in a meter. You mostly will be converting feet and inches to centimeters or millimeters. That is normally the sweet spot for these units of measure.
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.