Measuring Length (grades 6-10) by TOPS Learning Systems

Experiment with unconventional units of measurement, then transition to the convenience of decimal-based centimeters. Interpret and communicate measurements with plus/minus uncertainty. Estimate the heights of tall structures; innovate measuring wheels; create improvised meter tapes; design precise nut-and-bolt Vernier calipers.

• Measure length using thumb widths, paper clips, and centimeters
• Understand decimal equivalents of metric prefixes and combine them with other units
• Familiarize yourself with meters, centimeters, and millimeters
• Compare the lengths of a kilometer and a mile
• Learn to read rulers accurately by estimating the last digit
• Distinguish between precise and uncertain figures
• Practice reading metric scales in centimeters and millimeters
• Agree with a friend on scale crossings within acceptable uncertainty limits
• Measure line lengths in significant figures using centimeter and millimeter rulers
• Determine if specific body measurements align with general body proportion equations
• Work with measuring uncertainty
• Practice measuring lengths of varying magnitudes
• Estimate measurement uncertainty
• Measure length using a rolling can
• Construct a vernier caliper for accurate small distance measurement