CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A
The standard
Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
What this standard means
Students need to compare lengths without always using a ruler. They should line up objects carefully, use a third object to compare two lengths, and explain which is longer, shorter, or the same.
Mastery means students can place same-size units end to end with no gaps or overlaps, count the units, and describe the length. They often get stuck when units are uneven, when they leave spaces, or when they do not start measuring at the object’s end.
Ways to teach it
- Have students measure classroom objects with linking cubes, making sure cubes touch and start at one end.
- Ask, "How can we find out which pencil is longer if we cannot put them side by side?"
- Show a crayon measured with paper clips that have gaps, and ask students to identify and fix the mistake.
- Measure a shoe, book, and desk item with craft sticks, then compare which would need the most space in a backpack.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
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.1.MD.A.1
Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A
Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.