Tools for Measuring Length

"I don't know Freddie, I'm not sure this ruler is best for measuring this fishing rod!" "But what can we use?" Let's help Zuri and Freddie by learning all about tools for measuring length. When measuring the length of objects, we can use tools such as a ruler, a yardstick, a metre stick and a measuring tape! It is important to use the appropriate tool when measuring to get an accurate measurement. A ruler is often used to measure small objects. They can be used to measure in centimetres and millimetres and also inches. A ruler is usually around thirty centimetres long, or twelve inches. A yardstick can be used to measure medium sized objects and is exactly one yard long or three feet. A metre stick can also be used to measure medium sized objects and is exactly one metre long or one hundred centimetres. Yard sticks and metre sticks are similar in size but not the same length. Finally, a tape measure can measure bigger objects and is a great tool because it can be used to measure all sorts of objects from small to large! They can be used to measure in metres, centimetres, and millimetres and inches and feet. Tape measures can be found in lots of different lengths, but the most common length is twenty-five feet! So, how do you decide which tool is the best to use for different objects? First, you can observe what you want to measure. Ask yourself, "What tool is closest in size to this object I want to measure?" Next, identify the tool you want to use. Finally, measure the object you want to find the length of! For example if you wanted to measure your hand, you could use any of the four tools but it makes most sense to use a ruler because it is closest in size to your hand. Well, unless you're a giant, of course. Now let's help Zuri and Freddie identify the best measuring tool to use! Freddie found an old tricycle. What tool would be best to measure this? A yardstick or a metre stick would make the most sense here! A ruler would be too short and a tape measure does not make sense since the tricycle isn't that big. Here is the next object that Zuri has found, a sweet! What tool would be best to measure this? A ruler would make the most sense here! You could use a yardstick, metre stick, or tape measure, but they don't make the most sense since sweets are usually fairly small. What about the fishing rod? Which tool would be best? A tape measure would be best for this object. A ruler, yard stick, and metre stick would not be long enough to measure this object! While Zuri and Freddie look for more objects to measure, let's review! Today, we learned about choosing the best tools for measuring objects. You can choose between a ruler, a yardstick, a metre stick and a measuring tape! When deciding what tool to use: first, observe what you want to measure. Next, identify the tool you want to use. Finally, measure the object. "Well, the measuring tape makes the most sense, right?" "It does Freddie,” "But how do we measure it!?" "Stop waving at me you wibbly wobbly thing, we're trying to measure you!"