Unit Plan 30 (Grade 4 Math): Measurement Applications—Perimeter/Area/Conversions

Focus: Blend conversion tables with area/perimeter problems in real contexts; justify units and rounding with clear representations and reasonableness checks.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Mathematics (Measurement & Data • Number & Operations)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students connect unit conversions to area and perimeter in realistic design and planning tasks. They build and read conversion tables, select appropriate units, compute with formulas, and explain rounding choices. Emphasis is on consistent units, correct square units for area, and strong evidence in explanations.

Essential Questions

• How do conversion tables help me solve measurement problems accurately?
• When should I use perimeter vs. area in real situations?
• How do I decide which units to use and how to round reasonably?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Build and interpret conversion tables within a system and fill in missing values.
2. Use perimeter and area formulas to solve rectangle and composite-rectangle problems.
3. Keep units consistent (linear vs. square units) and justify rounding decisions.
4. Represent solutions with labeled diagrams, tables, and equations.
5. Explain and defend choices with reasonableness checks.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4

• 4.MD.1: Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system; record measurement equivalents in a two-column (conversion) table.
• 4.MD.3: Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real-world and mathematical problems.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can complete a conversion table and choose appropriate units.
• I can use area = length × width and perimeter = sum of sides (or 2l + 2w) correctly.
• I can label square units for area and explain my rounding so my answer is reasonable.