Applying Measurement Skills

Unit: Mastering Customary Measurement

Lesson 5 of 5
Grade: 3rd Grade
Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 30 students

---

Common Core State Standards Alignment

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.A.1

• Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in minutes.
• Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals in minutes.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.A.2

• Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l).

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.B.3

• Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories.

Focused Standard:
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.A.2 (primary focus)

• Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams, kilograms, and liters.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• I can solve real-world word problems using customary measurement units of length, weight, and capacity.
• I can identify which customary units are appropriate for measuring length, weight, and capacity.
• I can explain my reasoning using drawings or words.

---

Success Criteria

Students will:

• Correctly solve at least 3 word problems involving length, weight, or capacity.
• Use sentence starters or graphic organizers to help plan their approach.
• Explain their answers orally or in writing using measurement vocabulary.

---

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector or document camera
• Printable word problem worksheets (dyslexia-friendly versions with images and simplified text)
• Sentence starters handouts (e.g., "I know that __ because __.", "First, I will measure __.")
• Graphic organizers for problem-solving steps (draw, list units, solve, check)
• Visual measurement tools (rulers marked in inches and feet, measuring cups, balance scale with weights)
• Sticky notes or small whiteboards for student responses

---

Lesson Procedure

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Begin with a quick review of customary units: inches, feet, pounds, ounces, gallons, cups.
• Use visual aids: show rulers, measuring cups, and scales.
• Ask quick oral questions: "Which unit would you use to measure a basketball’s weight?" or "How many cups make a gallon?"

---

2. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Introduce today’s goal: applying measurement skills using word problems.
• Show I can statement and success criteria on the board. Read and discuss aloud with class.
• Emphasize: "We will use what we learned about measurement to solve problems like we might see in real life."

---

3. Guided Practice (10 minutes)

• Project or display 2 sample word problems involving length, weight, and capacity. Example:
  • "If a watermelon weighs 15 pounds and a cantaloupe weighs 7 pounds, how much do they weigh together?"
  • "A bottle contains 2 gallons of water. If 1 gallon is poured out, how much water is left?"
• Model solving a problem step-by-step:
  • Read the problem aloud.
  • Highlight key numbers and units.
  • Use a graphic organizer to break down the problem.
  • Write the equation or draw a visual representation.
  • Solve and explain reasoning.
• Engage students with questions: “What measurement units do we use here? Does it make sense?”

---

4. Independent or Partner Work (15 minutes)

• Students receive 3 word problems on differentiated worksheets (simplified language & visuals for dyslexia-friendly learners).
• Provide sentence starters and graphic organizers to support all students.
• Circulate to offer support, especially to students who need help breaking down the problems.
• Encourage partners to discuss their strategies.

---

5. Extension Activity (5 minutes)

• Advanced students create their own word problem involving length, weight, or capacity on a sticky note or mini whiteboard.
• They can illustrate their problem and write a solution.
• Volunteers share with the class to solve collaboratively.

---

6. Wrap-Up & Assessment (5 minutes)

• Select 3 students randomly to present their solved problems and explain their thinking to the class.
• Use a quick thumbs-up/thumbs-down or exit slip where students rate their confidence in solving measurement word problems.
• Collect student worksheets for assessment of success criteria (3 correct word problems).

---

Differentiation Strategies

• Visual Supports: Use images, manipulatives, and graphic organizers.
• Sentence Starters: Scaffold writing and verbal explanations.
• Peer Partnering: Pair struggling learners with supportive peers.
• Simplified Text: Dyslexia-friendly worksheets with larger fonts, minimal words, and clear instructions.
• Repetition: Revisit key vocabulary throughout lesson.

---

Dyslexia-Friendly Tips

• Use sans-serif fonts like Arial or Verdana in printed materials.
• Break down instructions into short steps.
• Use color coding to link measurement words with units (e.g., blue for length units, green for capacity).
• Include pictorial examples beside text.
• Avoid mixing too many concepts in a single problem.

---

Reflection for Teacher

• Were students able to select the appropriate units for each problem?
• Did sentence starters and graphic organizers help with problem-solving?
• Which students excelled in the extension and what does this imply about their readiness for more challenge?
• Adjust future lessons to provide further scaffolding or extension as needed.

---

This lesson plan ensures students master their measurement skills through meaningful application, aligning rigorously with Common Core standards for 3rd grade mathematics. The use of visuals, differentiation, and interactive activities supports diverse learners and builds confidence in measurement problem-solving.