Virginia SOL 4.MG.1.a.i
The Standard
length in both U.S. Customary (inch, foot, yard, mile) and metric units (millimeter, centimeter, meter)
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will reason mathematically to solve problems, including those in context, that involve length, weight/mass, and liquid volume using U.S. Customary and metric units.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students select a unit that makes sense for the length of an object or distance. They compare unit sizes and explain why one unit is more practical than another.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students choose a sensible unit for objects and distances, from a tiny item to a trip between cities. They explain their choice using the size of the unit and the length being measured.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may choose a unit because it is familiar rather than because its size fits the object. They may also confuse millimeters with centimeters or use inches for long distances.
How to Assess It
- Give an exit ticket with a paper clip, classroom door, and distance between two towns. Ask students to choose a suitable unit for each and explain one choice.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Set out an eraser, book, desk, and hallway map, then have pairs choose and label the best unit for each.
Ask students to write which unit they would use for a shoe length and explain why two other units are less useful.
Play Unit Match by having teams pair object cards with inch, foot, yard, mile, millimeter, centimeter, or meter cards.
Plan measurements for a school garden, including seed width, plant height, bed length, and distance from the classroom.
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Related Standards
- 5.MG.1.b.i
length (millimeters, centimeters, and meters);
- 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);
- 4.MG.1.d.i
length (inches and feet, feet and yards, inches and yards);
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