Measuring length and height using cm and mm
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can measure length and height using mm or whole cm and mm.
Key learning points
- The length or height of objects can be measured in mm or in whole cm and mm.
- It is more efficient to start at zero when measuring.
- If the object is not lined up with zero, then the difference needs to be found.
Keywords
Millimetre - A millimetre is a standardised unit of measurement. We can abbreviate millimetre to mm.
Centimetre - 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.
Teacher tip
Where possible, do the suggested activities practically so pupils gain experience of handling measuring equipment and build reference points in relation to length and height.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the object to the unit that would be used to measure it.
metres
millimetres
centimetres
Q2.Starting with the shortest, put these units of measure in order.
Q3.Is the pebble longer or shorter than 1 cm?
Q4.What is the length of this leaf?
Q5.Starting with the shortest, put these measurements in order of height.
Q6.A piece of string is 100 mm long. 5 cm is cut off. What is the length of the piece of string now?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following would be good to measure in millimetres (mm)?
Q2.Match the unit of measure to its abbreviation.
m
cm
mm
Q3.What number of mm is the arrow pointing to?
Q4.What is the length of this leaf in mm?
Q5.What is the length of this ribbon in mm?
Q6.Give the height of this cake in whole cm and mm.
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Measuring length and height using cm and mm, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Measuring length and height using cm and mm, 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.