CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A.2
The standard
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 the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps or overlaps.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Measurement and Data
What this standard means
Students need to measure an object by repeating the same unit, such as cubes, paper clips, or craft sticks, from one end to the other. They count how many equal units fit along the object, with no gaps, overlaps, or mixed-size units.
Mastery looks like lining up units carefully, starting at one endpoint, ending at the other, and naming the length with a number and unit. Students often leave spaces, overlap units, switch units, or start measuring away from the edge.
Ways to teach it
- Have students measure a crayon, book, and marker with linking cubes, then compare their counts with a partner.
- Ask, “Why can’t we use big paper clips and small paper clips together to measure one pencil?”
- Show three cube-measured pencils, one correct, one with gaps, one overlapping, and ask students to choose the accurate measure.
- Measure classroom items with craft sticks, then make a class chart titled “How long is it in craft sticks?”
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A.2
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.4
Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A
Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A
Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.