Measurement: Using Inches, Yards, and Centimeters

Second grade is finishing up their measurement unit.  They started the unit jumping in the classroom!  They jumped from a set point in the classroom to see how far they could jump, and then used different objects (paper clips, popsicle sticks, and their shoes) to see how far they actually jumped.

The class discussed that these objects (paper clip, popsicle stick, and their shoes) are not standard units, which makes it more difficult to collect data.  This led to learning about standard units, such as inches and centimeters.  Using standard units helps us collect information and compare information easier than non-standard units.

Second graders then measured objects using their inch ruler.  They measured things in their bins: scissors, pencils, markers, erasers!  They recorded their data, and then compared which objects were longer than other objects.

They also found out what a yardstick is and how many inches it is (36 inches or 3 feet!).

Last week, they were introduced to centimeters and meters.  Centimeters are units that are smaller than inches, and they are used by many people around the world.

The classes had a lot of fun measuring around the classroom.  Some students were also challenged to measure the length and width of the classroom (the length in the Meadows Class is 800 centimeters long!!)

This unit was very hands-on and interactive, with students using different math tools and collecting information about things they see and use daily.

Ask your child what their favorite part was during this unit!

measuring the height from the floor to the doorknob

discovering that an eraser is 1 centimeter long

measuring the bookshelf height

seeing how tall the chair is

measuring how long the table is

measuring the length of a shelf

using a ruler to measure the shelf