On this page: Learn & Practice | Manipulatives | Picture Books
learn & practice
โ๏ธ Measurement Workbooks from Kumon. If youโre looking for extra practice opportunities, the Kumon math workbooks are an appealing and cost-effective option. Each grade-leveled book covers just one topic and features a clean layout and logical progression of skills. There are three books in the My Book of Measurement Series: Length, Weight, and Volume. The following books in the Geometry & Measurement Series also include practice with measurement: Grade 1 (non-standard units), Grade 2 (more non-standard units), and Grade 3 (length, weight, and capacity in standard units). โ Elementary
โ๏ธ Khan Academy math modules. Khan Academy offers a wealth of free math educational resources, including a large library of instructional videos and online practice problem sets. โ All
Tip โ On Khan Academy, the Measurement modules are divided by grade. Grade 1 introduces ordering by length and measuring length. Grade 2 introduces measuring, comparing, and estimating length and solving length word problems. Grade 3 teaches how to solve problems involving mass (g, kg) and volume (mL, L). Grade 4 teaches estimation, unit conversion, and word problems involving mass, volume, and length. Grade 5 offers plenty of practice in converting between units of measurement (metric and US-based) and solving measurement conversion word problems.
โ๏ธ Measurement modules from CK12. CK12 offers free, adaptive online practice across all areas of math. In Measurement Systems, learn about units of measurement. In the Length, Volume, and Weight modules, perform arithmetic operations with both US and metric units of length. โ All
๐ Content Connection: Geometry. Learn how to calculate perimeter, area, and volume.
โถ๏ธ Why the metric system matters from TED-Ed. โFor the majority of recorded human history, units like the weight of a grain or the length of a hand werenโt exact and varied from place to place. Now, consistent measurements are such an integral part of our daily lives that itโs hard to appreciate what a major accomplishment for humanity theyโve been. Matt Anticole traces the wild history of the metric system.โ โ All
manipulatives
๐๏ธ Balance. A bucket balance is a handy tool for early elementary explorations of mass. You can also purchase metric weight sets and liquid measuring sets. โ Preschool โข Elementary
Tip โ The balance only allows comparisons of different object masses; use a platform scale if you want practice with reading weights. No need to buy a specialty item here, as an ordinary kitchen or bathroom scale will do the job.
picture books
Picture books are a fun, low-stress way to introduce new mathematical concepts.
๐ How Big Is a Foot? by Rolf Myller. The king wants to make a bed for his wife, but how do they figure out how big it should be? This story illustrates the importance of using standardized units of measurement. โ Elementary
๐ Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy. In this entry in Leedy's excellent Penny math series, Lisa and her trusty dog Penny explore different forms of measurementโheight, length, weight, volume, time, temperature, moneyโusing both standard (inch) and non-standard (dog biscuit) units. This creative book is a great resource on the topic and can serve as a starting point for your own measurement projects. โ Elementary
โ๐ Counting on Frank by Rod Clement. In this funny little book, an industrious boy dreams up all kinds of unusual questions: How many blue whales can fit in the house? How many dads can fit in the TV? An entertaining and thought-provoking supplement to your studies of measurement. โ Elementary
๐ Millions to Measure by David Schwartz. Join Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician on a whirlwind trip through history to learn how our ancestors developed standardized systems to measure height, weight, and volume. End material provides further information on the metric system. A fun book to include in a study of measurement. โ Elementary
๐ For Good Measure: The Ways We Say How Much, How Far, How Heavy, How Big, How Old by Ken Robbins. Learn about the different units of measurement used in the US (and historically in Britain). Using clear photographs and concise text, Robbins explains the history and meaning of some common (and less-common) terms for describing height, area, weight, capacity, and time. Fascinating. โ Elementary โข Middle