This Non-Standard Measurement Activity is ‘Dino-Mite’!

If you’re looking for an engaging, hands-on measurement activity to teach your students the foundations of measurement using informal units, you’re in the right place! Use this activity and worksheet to introduce students to the concept of measuring length using informal units. In this activity, students will ‘dino-dash’ around the classroom, measuring objects using fun dinosaur footprints and then comparing them to their own. 

Measuring with Non-Standard Units (Dinosaur Footprints!)

• Distribute a pair of dinosaur footprints to each student. Allow them time to cut out each footprint.
• Provide a copy of the accompanying worksheet. Read through the task instructions as a class and answer any questions the students may have.
• Model how to measure an object using and counting the number of dinosaur feet. Reinforce the need to measure in the same direction and use the same-sized dinosaur foot each time.
• Monitor and support the students as they use their dinosaur feet to measure the length of objects or spaces around the classroom. They can complete the task individually, in pairs (using one person’s dinosaur footprints), in small groups according to footprint size (students with the same-sized footprints work together), or work area ( work with one object/space at a time and rotate).
• When the measurements are completed, allow them to find classmates who had longer/shorter/similar footprints and compare results
• Gather the class together and share measurements. Draw attention to the range of measurements for each object or space and link this back to the different dinosaur footprint sizes.

This is a great length measurement activity for teachers and students in Grades 1 and 2. It can be used by one student or many as part of a lesson or unit on measuring length or as a fun way to engage more children in mathematics.

Differentiated and Ready to Print!

There is no need to worry about differentiation—we’ve already done it. We have created two versions of this activity. These are described below and marked with stars to designate the grade level they apply to.

★★ Two Stars = 2nd Grade – Readability has been increased, visuals removed, and students have more options for dinosaur feet and things to measure.

   ★ – One Star = 1st Grade – Low readability, visual stimuli, fewer options for dinosaur feet and things to measure.

This resource is available as an easy-to-use Google Slides or Printable PDF Resource file. To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button to select the file format you prefer. Make your copies, pass them out to your students, and you’re ready to begin!

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Even More Ways to Teach Non-Standard Measurement

Looking for more? Make sure you grab these handy resources before you go!

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