Measurement Games for 5th Graders

The concept of measurement is instigated in kids from the kindergarten. With each grade, the definition and techniques change to enhance the knowledge and associated math skills. From surrounding objects to geometric figures, the level of learning measurement concepts is enhanced.

SplashLearn schematically introduces kids to measurement for fast math learning and adapting the learning techniques for practical application. In grade-5, the knowledge of measurement units is extended beyond estimation and selection. This includes conversion of the measured values to different units within a system.

Also, the concept of volume of a unit cube is introduced to apply in estimating the volume of 3-dimensional cubic objects. With the knowledge of fractional markings on a number line, kids learn to accurately mark values on line plot for different data sets.

Next section highlights the types of conversion for measurement units and physical quantities.

Types of Conversion

As listed above in the figure, the different conversions can be done by multiplication and division. The conversion of units is significantly useful in recording the measured value to a scalable figure.

Next section elucidates the learning and the expected outcomes.

Learning & Objectives:

Conversion of units is an advanced topic for learning measurement. In the previous grades (from kindergarten to grade-4), kids assimilate on the various methods and techniques of measurement to measure the physical quantities.

With the formal introduction of different systems of measurement units employed; kids learn to estimate, select and use the suitable units.As different countries and regions follow different systems for the measurement of commodities and distance, “conversion of units” is a versatile essential for kids. SplashLearn fun learning games for grade-5 focus on turning this complex exercise to a simple procedure.

The website and app feature comprehensive content and tabulation of figures to let kids hone their reasoning skills and learn the practical aspects.

The projected outcomes of the learning are:

• Selection of suitable units for the measurement of length, weight, and volume
• Interpretation of the measured values in the respective units
• Comprehending the conversion scale for the units in different denominations as per the portion
• Plotting data in fractions on the number line by dividing it into subsections
• Calculation of a unit cube’s volume and using it to evaluate the volume of larger cubes

To achieve the above-mentioned objectives/learning outcomes, the required math skills are explored in the next section.

Required Math Skills:

To easily convert the units of measurement, essential math skills focus on the reasoning ability and logical thinking. SplashLearn worksheets for the previous grades thoroughly propel the kids to pick up skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of single-digit and double-digit numbers. Using these skills, conversion of units can be done accurately up-to two decimal places.

Engagement:

As the kids learn about the basic measurement techniques, concepts of physical quantities, and angle measurement; grade-5 nurtures the core knowledge for the application of these skills.

In coherence with the standard core math curriculum, the eclectic worksheets have puzzles and advanced word problems. Kids grasp the skills without any fear to excel in math. Through regular practice resulting in accelerated math learning, kids are motivated to solve math problems on the interactive interface (equipped with colorful-themes).

Next section elaborates the methods to convert the different units of length.

Length

To convert length from metric to metric (larger value to a smaller value), multiplication is used. For example, to convert 5 kilometers to meters, 5 will be multiplied by 1000. In a similar way, to convert 2 miles to yards, 2 will be multiplied by 1760.

The process of multiplication will convert to division upon reversal of the units. For example, to convert centimeters to meters, it will be divided by 100.

 

 

Instruments to Use:

• Measuring tape
• Ruler

Terms to Remember

• Metric units
• US customary units

Application

The physical quantity, length, and height are used to determine that how long/tall an object/human being is or how far two points or places are? For example, the length of aluminum foil or the distance between the two cities. Whereas, the measurement from head-to-toe for humans or living beings is used in physical education.

The quantity is also one of the fundamental units for drawing geometrical figures along with angle measurement. With the help of unit conversion, accurate and precise maps are drawn in different sizes. For example, the distance in miles is proportionately converted to centimeters (with the assumption that 1000 miles are equal to 1 cm) to draw a scalable map on the sheet of paper. Conversion of “length” measurement units is also useful in navigational sciences, architectural engineering and other fields.

Following the conversion of length, other physical quantities like weight and volume are also measured by different units in each system. Next section elaborates the conversion of units for the weight of the solid objects.

Weight

To convert the weight of solids (food portions, grains, metal, and others) from metric to metric units (larger value to a smaller value), multiplication is used. For example, to convert 3 kilograms to grams, 3 will be multiplied by 1000. In a similar way, to convert 4 pounds to ounces, 4 will be multiplied by 16.

The process of multiplication will convert to division upon reversal of the units. For example, to convert gram to kilogram, it will be divided by 100.

 

Reference image: Unit conversion cycle for US customary and metric units used for weight measurement

The standard math operations of multiplication and division are applied to convert the units of weight measurement.

Instruments to Use:

• Analog weighing scale
• Digital weighing scale

Terms to Remember

• Metric units
• US customary units

Application

Measurement of weight is another essential for learning math and allied sciences. The standard units for weight measurement are globally acknowledged and accepted for the commodity exchange (food export and import). In the day-to-day life, food items like pulses, grains, fruits, and vegetables are weighted first to sale appropriately as per the price.

Another application of micro-units of weight measurement is in clinical research and drug formulation. Small and measured portions of drugs and chemicals are used to prepare compositions for testing. The results obtained by testing are used for statistical analysis and research. The most viable, reasonable and profitable model is approved for final use and production in large quantity.

The next section elaborates the units of measurement used for measuring the volume of liquids.

Volume

Conversion of units for volume measurement is another essential math skill. Volume measurement of beverages is frequently used in restaurants and cooking practice to serve and add the appropriate portions. To convert a volume portion from metric to metric or US customary to US customary (larger value to a smaller value), multiplication is used.

For example, to convert 10 liters to centiliters, 10 will be multiplied by 100. In a similar way, to convert 3 pints to the cup, 3 will be multiplied by 2.

The process of multiplication will convert to division upon reversal of the units. For example, to convert milliliters to liters, it will be divided by 1000.

In order to convert units of volume measurement from one system to another, the standard values are referred. Following tables enlist the standard values in US & UK customary units against metric units and vice-versa.

With the help of the above reference table, kids can convert the volumes measured in different units to the required unit in the suitable figure. Multiplication and division skills with precision up-to two decimal places are the basic requirement to accurately convert the values.

Instruments to Use:

• Analog & digital weighing scale with volume measurement settings
• Measuring test-tubes, beakers, cups, and jars

Terms to Remember

• Metric units
• US customary units

Application

As important as weight measurement for solids, volume measurement is an essential to learn science. The various units of the measurement are used to measure the liquid portions of food items such as juices, syrups, oil, water, and others.

At the same time, volume measurement units are applied for measuring liquid petroleum gas (as it's compressed to liquid form to fill in the cylinders). Liquids such as petrol, diesel, and spirit are measured using the defined units.

In the field of chemical sciences, micro-portions of liquids are measured to perform clinical research and drug designing. Physicians use the suitable unit of measurement to prescribe the dosage of medicines to the patients upon diagnosis.

Data interpretation

The previous grade worksheets for data interpretation are designed to learn the graphical techniques of data measurement. Beside physical quantities (which can be measured by suitable instruments), data collected (against independent variables) is analyzed by using such interpretation methods.

The cited data can have temperature readings during a sunny day, blood plasma test results, class performance for different subjects by different students and similar values. For such values, bar graphs and line plots are proven as the most efficient data representation techniques.  As the data will not always be a whole number or a multiple of 10, 100 or 1000 for scalability, the fractional number line is employed.

In the following figure, multiple divisions between 0 and 1 are marked to easily plot the fractional data. For example, values 0.25, 0.75, 0.125, 0.5 etc can be represented accurately on such number line.

Reference image: Fractional line plot

Application

The line plot and bar graphs are one of the most viable and interactive measures of data representation in statistical analysis. While applying different tests and plotting values of mean, median, mode, correlation, regression or break-even analysis, the graphs and line plots assist scientists and mathematicians to draw conclusions with different data sets.

As the variables in data sets are not always rounded to nearest 10, 100 or 1000; a number line with fractional markings is used to represent the value to the maximum accuracy.

Terms to remember

• Fractions
• Standard number line

Instruments to use

• Graph paper
• Metric or customary ruler

Let’s game it

1. Express 4/7 on the number line.
2. As mentioned, mark 7 equal parts between the number 0 and 1.
3. Allow the kid to count till 4 and mark the respective point on the line

1. Mark 15/2 on the number line
2. Divide 15 by 2 and write the result in the rational number form (7½)
3. The number lies between 7 and 8
4. Divide the space between 7 and 8 into two equal parts to mark the value

Volume measurement of solid 3D objects

Previous grade worksheets for measurement introduce the concept of area and perimeter calculation. The two quantities are measurable only for objects in the 2-dimensional space. But, if the object is a 3-Dimensional object (such as a cube, cylinder or sphere), the volume calculation techniques differ.

To calculate the area of a square or rectangle (using the tiles of the unit square area), kids learn to compute the total area by tiling the unit squares in the figure. With the similar technique, the volume is calculated by filling the unit cubes in a right angle prism. The number of cubes filled in the prism determines the total volume.

Reference image: Unit cubes are used to fill the prism. The total volume of the prism is the number of cubes. Count the cubes by placing them on each other.

Application

The concept is useful in evaluating the volume of other 3-dimensional objects by multiplying the quantities length, breadth, and height.

Terms to remember:

• Metric units
• US customary units

Instruments to use:

SplashLearn Measurement Worksheet for Grade 5

The real aspect of math learning lies in the application of knowledge. With a detailed topic like measurement, the corresponding system for the units of measurement is a complex exercise. SplashLearn worksheets on measurement games are exclusively designed for kids with curious brains to nurture logic and fast math skills.

The comprehensive word problems, puzzles, and equation based questions on measurement demand grasping simple tricks and techniques with the clear understanding of the concept. With a special emphasis on graphical representation techniques, worksheets cover puzzling questions to represent fractional values on the line plot.

As the summer vacations are one of the main reasons cited for skill loss, home tutoring of math skills is a must. Let kids excel in math with the fair understanding of the knowledge application with SplashLearn worksheets.