Unit Plan 16 (Grade 2 Math): Generate Measurement Data & Line Plots (Whole Units)
Measure lengths to the nearest whole unit, organize data in simple line plots, and answer how many more/less questions by finding differences using number-line reasoning.
Focus: Measure lengths to the nearest whole unit; record data and represent with simple line plots; answer how many more/less using differences.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Mathematics (Measurement & Data • Math Practices)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 35–45 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students learn to measure real objects to the nearest whole unit (inches or centimeters), then organize and display this data on a line plot. They use their plots to answer comparison questions like how many more and how many fewer, connecting measurement to addition/subtraction on a number line.
Essential Questions
- How do I measure a length to the nearest whole unit accurately?
- How does a line plot help me see and compare measurement data?
- How can I use differences to answer how many more/less questions?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Use a ruler to measure lengths of objects to the nearest whole unit (in or cm).
- Record measurements in a table/tally and represent the data on a line plot with a clearly labeled scale.
- Answer how many more/less questions by finding the difference using data on a line plot or number line.
- Select and use appropriate tools (rulers, templates) strategically and explain how the tool supports accuracy.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 2 (spiral across the unit)
- 2.MD.9: Generate measurement data by measuring lengths to the nearest whole unit; show the measurements on a line plot whose horizontal scale is marked off in whole-number units.
- 2.MD.5: Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving lengths in the same units, including by using drawings (e.g., number line diagrams) to represent the problem.
- MP.5: Use appropriate tools strategically (choose rulers, line-plot templates, number lines).
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can measure objects to the nearest whole unit and write the measurements.
- I can make a line plot with a title, labels, and a whole-number scale.
- I can answer how many more/less by finding the difference and explain my thinking.