Converting between metres and centimetres
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can convert between metres and centimetres.
Key learning points
- Using the known fact that 100 cm are equivalent to 1 m can help us convert between cm and m.
- Partitioning and using the relationship between 1 m and 100 cm can help us convert between cm, and m and cm.
- It is always important to estimate so you know if your answer is near to the real value.
Keywords
Equivalent - When something is equivalent, it is equal in value.
Convert - When we convert, we change the unit of measurement between metres and centimetres, but the value remains the same.
Common misconception
Some children may think that 300 cm is bigger than 3 m because 300 is a bigger number than 3.
1 m is equivalent to 100 cm. So 3 m is equivalent to 300 cm. 3 m and 300 cm are equal in length or height.
Teacher tip
Show the equivalence between 1 m and 100 cm practically where possible e.g. using a metre ruler. Lots of chanting to help children recall the key fact that 100 cm is equal to 1 m.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which unit would you use to measure the length of a whale?
Q2.Which unit would you use to measure the length of a book?
Q3.What is the length of this toy car?
Q4.What is the length of this twig?
Q5.Starting with the tallest, place these measurements in order of height.
Q6.What is the height of this pebble?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When we change the unit of measurement between metres and centimetres, but the value remains the same, it is known as
Q2.If one metre is equal to 100 cm, how many cm are 3 metres equal to?
Q3.Convert the height of this giraffe from metres to centimetres.
Q4.Match the lengths to their equivalent length.
Q5.Starting with the shortest, put these measurements in order of length.
Q6.A piece of ribbon is 4 m 90 cm long. 300 cm is cut away from the ribbon. What is the length of the ribbon now?
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Converting between metres and centimetres, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Converting between metres and centimetres, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Measuring length and recording in tables unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.