Topic 09 /
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TOPIC 9

Describe and Compare Measurable Attributes

OVERVIEW

Topic 9 introduces measurement through the idea that objects can be directly compared by length, height, capacity, or weight. Your child will learn that objects can be described by measurable attributes (such as weight or length) and that some objects can be described by more than one measurable attribute.

COMPARE TWO OBJECTS

Compare by Length and Height Your child will compare the lengths or heights of two pictured objects that are lined up at one end. Then they use the terms longer, shorter, taller, the same length, or the same height to tell how the objects compare. Here is how your child would solve a problem that says, “Mark an X on the object that is shorter.”

2 crayons. They start at the same place on the left. The bottom one goes farther to the right. An X marks the top one.

Here is how your child would solve a problem that says, “Circle the object that is taller.” 2 chairs. The one on the left is shorter. Dots prompt circling the one on the right. Compare by Capacity Your child will compare the capacity of two pictured containers using the terms holds more, holds less, or holds the same amount to tell how the containers compare.

Here is how your child would solve a problem that says, “Circle the cup that holds more and mark an X on the cup that holds less, or underline both cups if they hold the same amount.”

Two groups of cups. Compare by Weight Your child will compare the weights of two familiar pictured objects, record the comparison on a balance scale, and use the terms heavier, lighter, or the same weight to tell how the objects compare. An important understanding is that the heavier object is on the lower side of the scale, and the lighter object is on the higher side of the scale. When the balance is level, the objects are the same weight. Here is how your child would solve a problem that says, “Circle the heavier object and mark an X on the lighter object.”A T V and a D V D case. Dots prompt circling the T V and marking the D V D case with an X.

DESCRIBE MEASURABLE ATTRIBUTES

Distinguish and Describe the Length or Height, Capacity, or Weight of Objects Your child will develop an understanding of tools that can be used to measure various attributes of objects.

The length of an object can be compared to the length of a known object such as a connecting cube train. This is how your child would solve the problem, “Compare the length of the pinecone to the cube train and mark an X on the one that is shorter.” A pine cone. The pine cone is not 7 cubes long.

Your child will learn that some objects have only certain measurable attributes. For example, a pencil has length and weight, but not capacity.

On the left, a pencil. On the right, a cube train, a scale, and a measuring cup. Dots prompt circling the cubes and scale.

CONNECT THE MATH

You can connect the math in this topic to everyday experiences. As you engage in daily activities, ask your child to compare pairs of objects, pets, or even people using the terms introduced in this topic. Ask, “Which is heavier, this book or this magazine? Who is taller, you or your cousin? Which holds more, this metal bowl or this glass bowl?” If the pairs are not obviously different measures, use tools such as paper clips, a measuring cup, or a balance to check your child’s guesses.

Topic 9 Lessons