Estimate in metres and describe a metre in different ways
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can estimate lengths and heights in metres and describe a metre in different ways.
Key learning points
- The length or height of an object can be estimated using the standardised unit of metres.
- One hundred, 1 cm lengths are the same as 1 m.
- Ten, 10 cm lengths are the same as 100 cm, which is the same as 1 m.
Keywords
Estimate - An estimate is a given value, number or quantity that is near to the true amount.
Metre - A metre is a standardised unit of measurement. We can abbreviate metre to m.
Centimetre - A centimetre is a standardised unit of measurement. We can abbreviate centimetre to cm.
Common misconception
100 cm is bigger than 1 m.
1 m is equal in length or height to 100 cm. 100 cm make up 1 m. They are the same length or height.
Teacher tip
Children need a concrete example of a metre and how long and tall 1 m is. Where possible, the suggested activities should be carried out practically.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Look at the picture. Which is taller, the elephant or the giraffe?

Q2.Look at the picture. Which is longer, the blue ribbon or the yellow ribbon?

Q3.Match the calculations to their answer.
20
50
90
40
70
Q4.How many tens are there in 60?
Q5.How many tens are there in 100?
Q6.Look at the picture. Which car has travelled the furthest?

Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A given value, number or quantity that is near to the true amount is known as
Q2.Which of these would you use metres to measure the height or length of?
Q3.How many centimetres are there in one metre?
Q4.I have a piece of ribbon that is 70 cm long. Is this ribbon shorter or longer than one metre?
Q5.How many 10 cm lengths will we get if we cut a 60 cm piece of ribbon up into 10 cm lengths?
Q6.A whole length of string has been cut into 3 equal pieces and each of those pieces is 10 cm. What length is the whole piece of string?
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Estimate in metres and describe a metre in different ways, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Estimate in metres and describe a metre in different ways, 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.