Measurement activities are fun because they can be a hands-on experience. As a teacher, I think it is exciting to teach. It has been my experience that students love it because it feels like real world knowledge. It helps them understand the world around them, and it is practical. Students need a ruler and objects to measure and then the learning begins. A boring worksheet is not the best way to teach measurement. Here are three engaging measurement activities that are delightful and memorable. These activities will build and reinforce their understanding until they are masters of measurement.
Learning to measure can be a memorable learning experience for your students without being an incredible amount of work for you. These three simple measurement activities are easy to prep, but your students will be highly engaged in their learning. Measurement is a practical life skill that your students can enjoy learning. If you would like these FREE measurement activities, type your name and email in the correct boxes, and I will send them to you to use in your classroom.
Before You Begin:
Students need to learn the basics of how to use a ruler before they begin any of these activities. They have to know where to begin measuring and how to line up the end of the object with the beginning of the tick marks on the ruler. They have to understand that accuracy is important, and they can’t just begin measuring at the end of the ruler. Depending on where you live, they also need to know the general idea of the length of an inch, foot, and yard, and centimeter and meter. With this understanding, it will help them compare and estimate measurements. Be sure to take some time to practice how to use a ruler, yard stick, meter stick, and a measuring tape before you begin these measurement activities.
Measurement Activities 1: Measurement Scavenger Hunt
After students have a solid understanding of how to use a ruler, the best way to learn measurement is through hands-on exploration. A measurement scavenger hunt is an interactive activity that allows students to practice measuring various objects in the classroom or on the playground.
Directions:
- 1. Divide the class into small groups and provide each group or person with a measuring tape, ruler, or a measuring stick.
- 2. Give students a list of items to measure in your classroom such as a stapler, paper clips, text book, or desktop.
- 3. Encourage students to work together to measure each item accurately and record their measurements on a recording sheet that lists the items that you want them to measure.
- 4. After completing the scavenger hunt, gather the class to discuss their findings and compare measurements. Encourage students to explain their reasoning and strategies for measuring each object.
This activity reinforces measurement skills and also promotes teamwork and critical thinking as students work together to solve problems. These are real world skills that students need to practice in the classroom.
Measurement Activities 2: Measurement Triathlon
After students have a solid understanding of how to use a ruler, the best way to learn measurement is through hands-on exploration. A measurement scavenger hunt is an interactive activity that allows students to practice measuring various objects in the classroom or on the playground.
Directions:
- Divide the class into small groups and provide each group or person with a measuring tape, ruler, or a measuring stick.
- Give students a list of items to measure in your classroom such as a stapler, paper clips, text book, or desktop.
- Encourage students to work together to measure each item accurately and record their measurements on a recording sheet that lists the items that you want them to measure.
- After completing the scavenger hunt, gather the class to discuss their findings and compare measurements. Encourage students to explain their reasoning and strategies for measuring each object.
This activity reinforces measurement skills and also promotes teamwork and critical thinking as students work together to solve problems. These are real world skills that students need to practice in the classroom.
Measurement Activities 3: Measure Before Making
Although this recipe isn’t one to be measured in the traditional kitchen, you can measure some items before making a recipe. The recipe uses purchased items that you are going to measure before putting together. After all of the measurements are recorded, then students will put together their tasty treat.
Directions:
- Gather items for the treat.
Each students needs:
- 1 chocolate pudding cup
- 1-2 oreos
- 1 gummy worm
- 1 spoon
- 1 small ziploc bag to crush the oreos
- Ruler
- Recording sheet
- Provide each student with the items. Have them measure the items and record their answers on the recording sheet.
- Have students put the oreos in the plastic bag and seal it. I found it worked better when I had them remove the white creamy filling first. Then have them crush the oreos until it resembles dirt.
- Open the chocolate pudding cup and sprinkle the “dirt” on top.
- Add a worm.
- Enjoy the tasty treat!
Measurement is fun when it is a hands-on experience! Your students will also remember it more when you do something more than a worksheet. Learning to measure is a practical life skill that young students can master. These are easy to prep measurement activities for teachers that students love. If you would like the FREE recording sheets and recipe for the dirt cups that are explained above, type your name and email in the boxes. I will send them to you right away. Happy measuring!
Here are some other articles you might find helpful.
Tips for Teaching Your Measurement Unit
Hands on Measurement Activities
