In this lesson, students will learn how to use a ruler for accurately measuring various objects, down to fractions of an inch.

Engaging Questions

• Why should you use a ruler to measure? 

Teacher Goals

• The student will be able to successfully measure any object using a ruler.

Required Resources

• Rulers
  
  Classroom set of standard and/or metric rulers.

• Handout
  
  Worksheet on measuring lines.

• Resource

  • How To Measure

Optional Resources

• Math Textbook
  
  Use a math textbook to find the meaning of the words length and width.

Steps

1. How To Read A Ruler

   A.  Print a copy of the ruler in the step supplement or
       read the measurements for the arrows from the file.
   B.  Name the measure of the blue arrow.
   C.  Name the measure of the red arrow.
   D.  Name the measure of the green arrow.
   E.  Name the measure of the purple arrow.

   • Ruler.jpg

2. Check Ruler Answers

   Have your answers checked by your teacher before going on to step 3.

3. Measuring Lines On A Worksheet

   On the worksheet which has been provided, measure the lines.  Write the measurement of the line on the line itself.

   • Line worksheet

4. Checking Measurement

   Have the teacher check your measurements on the worksheet before going on.

5. Measuring A Textbook

   Measure one of your textbooks.  Your teacher will tell you which book to measure.

6. Measuring A Desk

   Each student will measure your desk.

7. Measuring Any Object In Classroom

   Choose one or more objects in the classroom and correctly measure them.

Teacher Notes

• Give each student a ruler from your classroom set. On the chalkboard, draw a large book. Using your ruler, measure the drawing of the book. Tell the students the measurements of the book. Hand out worksheet. Have students measure lines, and have paper checked before moving on. Have the students measure one of their textbooks. It would be best to have them measure the same textbook, such as social studies, etc. After measuring their textbooks, have the each student measure their desk. Allow students to choose and measure several objects found in classroom.

• Duration: 45 minutes

Learner Notes

• Using a ruler provided by the teacher, measure one of your textbooks. The teacher will tell you which book to measure. Measure the length and width of your textbook. Using a ruler provided by the teacher, measure the length and width of your desk. Choose at 3 or more objects in the classroom to measure. Remember, measure the length and width of each object.

Mentor Notes

• We are learning how to use rulers to measure the length and width of objects. Please help your child to use their ruler (which has been provided) to measure various objects found around the house.