Length and distance (I)
Learn all about length and distance!
Understanding Length and Distance
Length and distance are measurements that tell us how long something is or how far apart things are.
In this lesson, we'll learn how to:
- Recognize the concepts of length and distance
- Compare lengths and distances intuitively
- Compare directly by placing objects side by side
- Measure using improvised units like paper clips or blocks
Visual Examples
Comparing Lengths
Longer Object (6 units)
Shorter Object (4 units)
Important: When comparing lengths, align objects at the same starting point.
The blue bar is 6 units long and the green bar is 4 units long.
Therefore, the blue bar is 2 units longer than the green bar.
Measuring with Improvised Units
6 units long
4 units long
We can measure length using improvised units like paperclips or blocks.
The purple bar is 6 units long. The yellow bar is 4 units long.
So the purple bar is longer than the yellow bar by 2 units.
Understanding Distance
Example 1: Distance Between Places
Home
Park
School
Distance tells us how far apart places are from each other.
25steps from Home to Park
35steps from Park to School
60steps in total!
Example 2: Distance on a Grid
Treasure
Pirate
8 steps right
5 steps down
13 steps total
On a grid, we can measure distance by counting steps in each direction.
8steps right from Treasure
5steps down from there
13steps in total to reach the Pirate!
Example 3: Distance Around (Perimeter)
My Garden
6 meters
4 meters
20 meters around
The distance all the way around a shape is called its perimeter.
6meters on each long side
4meters on each short side
20meters all the way around (6 + 4 + 6 + 4 = 20)
Practice Games
Test your understanding of length and distance with this fun interactive game!
Helpful Tips
- For accurate comparison, always align objects at the same starting point.
- You can use common objects like paper clips or blocks as improvised measuring units.
- Remember, length measures how long something is, while distance tells how far apart things are.
Measuring Tools
Ruler
Tape Measure
Pencil
Book
Protractor
Compass