Millimetres as a unit of measure and the relationship between them and cm
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand millimetres as a unit of measure and describe the relationship between mm and cm.
Key learning points
- Small objects are measured in millimetres.
- There are 10 mm in 1 cm
Keywords
Millimetre - A millimetre is a standardised unit of measurement. We can abbreviate millimetre to mm.
Common misconception
Children may think that 10 mm are larger than 1 cm.
There are 10 mm in 1 cm. 1 cm is made up of 10 mm. 10 mm and 1 cm are equivalent in length.
Teacher tip
Where possible, do this lesson practically using classroom 15 or 30 cm rulers where mm can be seen.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.I have a piece of ribbon that is 80 cm long. Is this ribbon shorter or longer than one metre?
Q2.Which unit would you use to measure the length of a swimming pool?
Q3.Match the calculation to its answer.
10
80
50
6 x 10
10 x 2
10 x 10
Q4.What is the length of this leaf?

Q5.If one metre is equal to 100 cm, how many cm are 6 metres equal to?
Q6.Convert the height of this house from centimetres to metres.

Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which unit of measurement is represented by the shading and arrow in this image?

Q2.Which of these objects would you measure in millimetres?
Q3.Which is smaller, one centimetre or one millimetre?
Q4.Is the pebble shorter or longer than 1 cm?

Q5.Starting with the shortest, put these measurements in order of length.
Q6.A piece of string is 90 mm long. 2 cm is cut off. What is the length of the piece of string now?
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Millimetres as a unit of measure and the relationship between them and cm, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Millimetres as a unit of measure and the relationship between them and 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.
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.