Home Works Elementary Education Distance Learning Curriculum

Developed by Logan B.

Edited by Maggie M.

Photo of Logan B

Essential Question

How can we use measuring to help us in real-world situations?

Background Knowledge

Students should know that width and height are measurements of length. Students should know the difference between width and height, and be able to compare width and height. Students will need to know the American Standard measuring system using inches.  


  1. Two pieces of white paper 
  2. Pencil 
  3. Measuring tape (inches) 
  4. Scissors  
  5. Objects of choice 

Safety Protocol

Adult will use the measuring tape, ensuring no child gets cut by its edges.  

Activity Procedures

Part 1: Making a Journal 

Step 1: Make your own personal journal using measurements. Take two sheets of white copy paper. Place paper sideways and fold both papers over vertically to create two equal sections. On one of those folded pieces of paper, put a dot one inch from the top of the paper on the creased side. Then, measure one inch from the bottom of the same side and draw another dot. Repeat this with the second folded piece.  

Why is measurement important?

Step 2: Take your first paper and cut from the top of the paper to the dot and stop. Cut from the bottom of the paper to the dot and stop.  

What would you like to measure?

Step 3: Take your second paper and cut between the two dots on the fold. Cut only a small piece from this fold. 

How do these widths, and heights differ or compare?

Step 4: Take your first paper, unfold it, and roll it up hot dog style.  

Step 5: Insert this piece in the slit of your other piece of paper. Now, unfold the rolled piece. The cut in the first piece should slide in the slit to make a journal booklet. This is what you will use to record your measurements. 

Part 2: Measuring your World 

Step 1: Ask yourself in what ways can measuring help us in real-world situations? Remember: measurements can be used to create and have fun anywhere! 

Step 2: Create a chart in your journal to record estimates and measurements of objects (see chart below in “Resources”)  

Step 3: Choose the objects you want to measure (a table, pencil, chair, box).  

Step 4: Now, get the measuring tape and measure the width of an object. For example, measure a box from one side to the other side.  

Step 5: To get the height of the object, measure from the top of the object to the bottom. For example, measure a family member from his/her head to their toes.  

Step 6: Measure the width and height for each object and record those in your journal. 

Step 7: Ask yourself: how do the width and height change for each object? (How does the height of the pencil compare to its width?)

Step 8: With parent/guardian permission, share the results of your activity on social media using #AUHomeWorks!

Object 1
Object 2
Object 3
Object 4

Last modified: November 12, 2020