CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.1
The standard
Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Measurement and Data
What this standard means
Students need to choose a sensible measuring tool and use it correctly to find an object’s length. They should know when a ruler, yardstick, meter stick, or measuring tape fits the job. They also need to line up the zero mark, keep the tool straight, and read the unit accurately.
Mastery looks like a student measuring classroom objects without guessing the tool first or starting at the edge of the ruler. Common trouble spots are starting at 1 instead of 0, using a ruler for something too long, bending the tool, and mixing up inches and centimeters.
Ways to teach it
- Give pairs a ruler, yardstick, meter stick, and tape measure, then have them measure a pencil, desk, door, and bookcase.
- Ask students to write which tool they would use to measure a jump rope and explain why.
- Place three objects at a station and have students measure one with the best tool while you check tool choice and zero alignment.
- Measure items for a classroom move, such as rug width, shelf height, and table length, to see what fits where.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.1
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Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.B.4
Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal...
- 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.D.9
Generate measurement data by measuring lengths of several objects to the nearest whole unit, or by making repeated measurements of the same object. Show the mea...
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A
Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.