Length Conversions Magic 📏✨

Ingoa (Name):

Rā (Date):

Akomanga (Class):

🎯 WALT & Success Criteria

We Are Learning To: Convert measurements between centimetres and metres by dividing by 10, and understand how decimal place value shifts.

I can do this when I can:

✅ Measure objects accurately in centimetres (cm)

✅ Convert cm to metres (m) by dividing by 10

✅ Write decimal answers correctly with the right units

✅ Explain why dividing by 10 shifts the digits one place to the right

💡 Key Reminder

To convert cm → m: divide by 10 | To convert m → cm: multiply by 10

Example: 45 cm ÷ 10 = 4.5 m | 12.3 cm ÷ 10 = 1.23 m

When you divide by 10, every digit moves one place to the right on the place value chart.

📐 Part 1: Measure and Convert

Instructions: Find and measure 5 objects in your classroom. Record the length in cm, then convert to metres by dividing by 10. Write your decimal answer carefully!

Object 1 — Name of object: _______________________________

Length in cm: __________ cm ÷ 10 = __________ m

Object 2 — Name of object: _______________________________

Length in cm: __________ cm ÷ 10 = __________ m

Object 3 — Name of object: _______________________________

Length in cm: __________ cm ÷ 10 = __________ m

Object 4 — Name of object: _______________________________

Length in cm: __________ cm ÷ 10 = __________ m

Object 5 — Name of object: _______________________________

Length in cm: __________ cm ÷ 10 = __________ m

⭐ Challenge: Try to measure at least two objects that have a decimal measurement (e.g., 13.7 cm). Circle those rows above!

✏️ Part 2: Explain Your Thinking

Instructions: Use the sentence starters below to explain how conversions work. Write in your own words — there are no wrong answers as long as you try!

1. Choose one of your measurements and explain how you converted it:

Sentence starter: "I measured the _____________ and it was ______ cm. To convert to metres, I divided by 10 because..."

2. What happens to the digits when you divide a number by 10?

Sentence starter: "When I divide by 10, the digits move..."

3. Why do we use metres instead of centimetres for very long lengths?

🚀 Extension Activity (Advanced Learners)

Whakaaroaro (Challenge yourself!): Find 3 objects that have a decimal centimetre measurement (e.g., 8.4 cm or 21.6 cm). Record them below, convert to metres, and explain the place value shift.

Extension Object 1 — Name: _______________________________

Length in cm: __________ cm ÷ 10 = __________ m

Explain the place value shift: "The digit in the ones place moved to..."

Extension Object 2 — Name: _______________________________

Length in cm: __________ cm ÷ 10 = __________ m

Extension Object 3 — Name: _______________________________

Length in cm: __________ cm ÷ 10 = __________ m

🌟 Bonus: Now convert one of your metre answers back to centimetres by multiplying by 10. Does it match your original measurement?

__________ m × 10 = __________ cm Does it match? Yes / No

"Mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu" — With feathers, the bird will fly. Your knowledge helps you grow! 🐦