The Measurement Unit involves applying the process of measuring to quantify attributes that can be measured (length, area, volume, capacity, weight/mass and time). Questions to uncover the process of measuring may include:

• What attribute are we measuring? (such as volume)

• What unit should we use to measure our object? (a unit of volume such as same-sized cubes)

• About how many units do you estimate will fill the box?

• How can you use the units to find the volume of the box? (such as use cubes to fill the box with no gaps or overlaps)

• Could you use operations to find a more efficient way to find the volume of the box?

Additional key questions may include:

• What is the difference between linear units, units of area, and units of volume?

• Given a formula for finding volume, how can you create a real-world situation to match it?

• How does knowing the relationship between units in the same measurement system help to solve real-world problems?

Math Concepts and Skills: 

Volume, Area, Length and Conversions between Measurement Systems (Metric or Customary)

The student is expected to

• identify a cube as a 3-dimensional unit of volume and use cubes to find the volume of a 3-dimensional object, such as a box, by filling it with no gaps or overlaps.

• find the volume of a rectangular prism with whole number dimensions by using multiplication—the number of layers times the area of one of the layers.

• use cubes/pictures of cubes to develop the formula for finding the volume of a rectangular prism.

• represent and solve problems involving perimeter, area, and/or volume.

• solve problems by determining conversions within a measurement system—metric or customary.