Measure length and height from zero using whole m or cm
I can measure length and height from zero using whole metres and centimetres.
Measure length and height from zero using whole m or cm
I can measure length and height from zero using whole metres and centimetres.
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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.
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Measure length and height from zero using whole m or cm, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Measure length and height from zero using whole m or cm, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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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.
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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?
Q2.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?
Q4.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?
Q6.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
Q2.Which unit would you use to measure the height of a giraffe?
Q3.Match the calculation to the difference.
7 cm
12 cm
6 cm
9 cm
11 cm
Q4.What is the length of this feather?
Q5.What is the length of the pencil?
Q6.Jacob has broken his ruler and he can't see the zero. How can he measure the length of the leaf?
