Virginia SOL 2.MG.1.b.i
The Standard
the length of an object to the nearest inch, using a ruler
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will reason mathematically using standard units (U.S. Customary) with appropriate tools to estimate, measure, and compare objects by length, weight, and liquid volume to the nearest whole unit.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students estimate an object’s length in inches, then measure it with a ruler to the nearest whole inch. They compare the estimate with the measurement and decide whether the estimate was reasonable.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students place the zero mark at one end of an object and read the other endpoint correctly. They report the nearest whole inch and explain whether their estimate was close to the measurement.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may line up the object with the ruler’s edge instead of the zero mark. They may count tick marks instead of inch spaces or choose the wrong whole inch when an endpoint falls between marks.
How to Assess It
- Ask students to estimate the length of their pencil in inches, measure it to the nearest inch, and explain whether the estimate was reasonable.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Set out a crayon, book, glue stick, and paper strip for students to estimate and measure to the nearest inch.
Ask, “Is 1 inch or 6 inches a better estimate for a marker’s length?” and have students defend their choice.
Play Estimate, Measure, Score: partners earn one point when an estimate is within one inch of the ruler measurement.
Measure classroom supplies to decide which items will fit lengthwise inside a 9-inch pencil box.
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Printable 2.MG.1.b.i Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 2.MG.1.a.i
identifying a ruler as an instrument to measure length;
- 4.MG.1.a.i
length in both U.S. Customary (inch, foot, yard, mile) and metric units (millimeter, centimeter, meter);
- 4.MG.1.b.i
length of an object to the nearest U.S. Customary unit (1 2 inch, 1 4 inch, 1 8 inch, foot, yard) and nearest metric unit (millimeter, centimeter, or meter);
- 3.MG.1.b.i
length of an object to the nearest U.S. Customary unit (1 2 inch, inch, foot, yard) and metric unit (centimeter, meter);
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