CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A
Standard Cluster
Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Cluster contents
Standards in This Cluster
CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A.1
Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A.2
Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units, by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end; understand that t...
Teacher's field guide
What This Cluster Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare two lengths by using a third object, then order three objects from shortest to longest. They measure by placing equal-size units end to end and counting them.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly order three objects by length and explain their comparisons. They measure with equal-size units placed end to end, with no gaps or overlaps, and report the correct count.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may compare objects without lining up one end. They may leave gaps, overlap units, mix unit sizes, or count boundary marks instead of units. They may compare measurement numbers even when different units were used.
How to Assess It
- Give students three paper strips and linking cubes. Ask them to order the strips from shortest to longest, measure the middle strip, and show how they placed the cubes.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Have pairs measure a book with linking cubes, checking that every cube touches and no cubes overlap.
Ask, "Why might the same desk measure 10 craft sticks but 25 cubes?" Students write two sentences and share.
Play Measurement Detective by showing cube rows with gaps or overlaps and having teams identify and correct each mistake.
Students measure three classroom supplies with paper clips, then create a shortest-to-longest list for the supply drawer.
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Printable 1.MD.A Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.2
Measure the length of an object twice, using length units of different lengths for the two measurements; describe how the two measurements relate to the size of...
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.3
Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A
Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.
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