Measurement of Length Basic Science Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Basic Science Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Subject: Basic Science
Class: Primary 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 8 years
Topic: Measurement of Length
Sub-topic: Meaning of Length, Instruments of Measuring Length, Standard Metric Units of Length, Practical Demonstrations of Measuring Length
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Mention the methods of obtaining length from their past experiences.
Explain the meaning of length.
Describe various instruments for measuring length.
Identify the metric units of measuring length (mm, cm).
Measure and record the length, breadth, and height of objects around them.
Analyse reasons for differences in length.

Keywords

Length
Ruler
Measuring tape
Millimeter (mm)
Centimeter (cm)
Measure

Set Induction

The teacher will show a ruler and a measuring tape and ask the pupils what they think these tools are used for.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have seen rulers and other measuring tools in their everyday lives.

Learning Resources and Materials

Rulers
Measuring tapes
Objects of different lengths (books, pencils, etc.)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss instances where pupils have measured things at home or in school.

Embedded Core Skills

Measurement
Observation
Comparison

Reference Books

Lagos State Scheme of Work
Basic Science Textbook for Primary 3

Instructional Materials

Rulers
Measuring tapes
Various objects for measuring

Content

1. Meaning of Length

Length is how long or short something is.

2. Instruments for Measuring Length

Ruler: Used for measuring short lengths.
Measuring Tape: Used for measuring longer lengths.

3. Standard Metric Units of Length

Millimeter (mm): The smallest unit.
Centimeter (cm): 10 millimeters make 1 centimeter.

4. Practical Demonstrations

Measure the length of a book using a ruler.
Measure the height of a table using a measuring tape.

Questions

The length of an object is how _____ or _____ it is.
a) tall, wide
b) long, short
c) big, small
d) heavy, light
A _____ is used to measure short lengths.
a) pencil
b) book
c) ruler
d) table
A measuring tape is used to measure _____ lengths.
a) short
b) medium
c) long
d) none
The smallest metric unit of length is _____.
a) cm
b) m
c) km
d) mm
Ten millimeters make one _____.
a) meter
b) centimeter
c) kilometer
d) inch
We measure the height of a table using a _____.
a) ruler
b) measuring tape
c) book
d) pencil
One meter is equal to _____ centimeters.
a) 10
b) 50
c) 100
d) 1000
To measure the length of a pencil, we use a _____.
a) book
b) ruler
c) table
d) chair
The width of a book can be measured using a _____.
a) pencil
b) book
c) ruler
d) table
A _____ is used to measure both short and long lengths.
a) ruler
b) book
c) table
d) measuring tape
The unit ‘cm’ stands for _____.
a) millimeter
b) meter
c) centimeter
d) kilometer
We measure the height of a building using a _____.
a) ruler
b) book
c) measuring tape
d) pencil
The unit ‘mm’ stands for _____.
a) millimeter
b) meter
c) centimeter
d) kilometer
We use a _____ to measure the length of a classroom.
a) ruler
b) measuring tape
c) pencil
d) book
Length is measured in _____.
a) grams
b) liters
c) meters
d) kilograms

Class Activity Discussion

What is length?
Length is how long or short something is.
What tool is used to measure short lengths?
A ruler is used to measure short lengths.
What tool is used to measure long lengths?
A measuring tape is used to measure long lengths.
What is the smallest metric unit of length?
The smallest metric unit of length is the millimeter (mm).
How many millimeters make one centimeter?
Ten millimeters make one centimeter.
What does ‘cm’ stand for?
‘Cm’ stands for centimeter.
What does ‘mm’ stand for?
‘Mm’ stands for millimeter.
How many centimeters are in one meter?
There are 100 centimeters in one meter.
Which tool can measure both short and long lengths?
A measuring tape can measure both short and long lengths.
What is used to measure the height of a table?
We use a measuring tape to measure the height of a table.
How can we measure the length of a pencil?
We can use a ruler to measure the length of a pencil.
Why do we measure length?
We measure length to know how long or short something is.
Can we use a ruler to measure the length of a classroom?
No, we use a measuring tape for that.
What unit is used to measure small lengths?
Small lengths are measured in millimeters (mm).
What unit is used to measure longer lengths?
Longer lengths are measured in centimeters (cm) or meters (m).

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic which was about key concepts from Basic 2 Science.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by showing a ruler and a measuring tape, and explaining their uses.

Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to give their own contributions and corrects them when and where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

Show and explain the use of rulers and measuring tapes.
Demonstrate measuring objects in the classroom.
Ask questions to check understanding.

Learners’ Activities

Answer questions.
Participate in measuring objects.
Record measurements.

Assessment

Oral questions and answers.
Practical measurement activities.

Ten Evaluation Questions

What is length?
What tool do we use to measure short lengths?
What tool do we use to measure long lengths?
What is the smallest unit of length?
How many millimeters make one centimeter?
Measure the length of your pencil.
Measure the height of your desk.
Why might two pencils have different lengths?
What is longer, a meter or a centimeter?
How can you use a ruler to measure your notebook?

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark the pupils’ work and provides feedback.