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New
Measure length and height from zero using whole m or cm
I can measure length and height from zero using whole metres and centimetres.
Lesson 2 of 10
New
New
- Year 3
Measure length and height from zero using whole m or cm
I can measure length and height from zero using whole metres and centimetres.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When measuring, it is more efficient to start at zero.
- The length of the object is the difference between the numbers on the ruler at the start and the end of the object.
- Measures can be given in metres or centimetres.
- Estimating helps us to decide if it is better to measure in centimetres or metres.
Keywords
Metre (m) - A metre is a standardised unit of measurement. We can abbreviate metre to m.
Centimetre (cm) - A centimetre is a standardised unit of measurement. We can abbreviate centimetre to cm.
Difference - The difference is the result of subtracting one number from another.
Common misconception
The length or height of an object is the numerical value at the end of the ruler (if not at zero).
If an object is not measured from zero, its length is the difference between the numerical value at the start and end of the object.
Where possible, do the suggested activities practically so pupils gain experience of using measuring equipment and build points of reference relating to height and length.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these would you use centimetres to measure the height or length of?
Which of these would you use centimetres to measure the height or length of?
Length of a whale
Height of a tree
Height of a house
Q2.What measurement is equal to 100 cm?
What measurement is equal to 100 cm?
Q3.I have a piece of ribbon that is 90 cm long. Is this ribbon shorter or longer than one metre?
I have a piece of ribbon that is 90 cm long. Is this ribbon shorter or longer than one metre?
Q4.How many 10 cm lengths will we get if we cut a 70 cm piece of ribbon up into 10 cm lengths?
How many 10 cm lengths will we get if we cut a 70 cm piece of ribbon up into 10 cm lengths?
Q5.A whole length of string has been cut into 4 equal pieces and each of those pieces is 10 cm. What length is the whole piece of string?
A whole length of string has been cut into 4 equal pieces and each of those pieces is 10 cm. What length is the whole piece of string?
Q6.Starting with the shortest, sort the five pieces of ribbon in order of length.
Starting with the shortest, sort the five pieces of ribbon in order of length.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The result of subtracting one number from another is known as
The result of subtracting one number from another is known as
a metre.
a centimetre.
Q2.Which unit would you use to measure the height of a giraffe?
Which unit would you use to measure the height of a giraffe?
mm
cm
kg
Q3.Match the calculation to the difference.
Match the calculation to the difference.
Q4.What is the length of this feather?
What is the length of this feather?
Q5.What is the length of the pencil?
What is the length of the pencil?
3 cm
9 cm
Q6.Jacob has broken his ruler and he can't see the zero. How can he measure the length of the leaf?
Jacob has broken his ruler and he can't see the zero. How can he measure the length of the leaf?
He can't.
Place the leaf at the end of the ruler and read the measurement as usual.
