Unit Plan 10 (Grade 4 Math): Measurement Within Systems—Conversion Tables
Convert larger to smaller units within a measurement system using conversion factors, two-column tables, and unit T-charts; solve real-world problems with precise units and reasonableness checks.
Focus: Record measurement equivalents and convert larger units to smaller units within one system (length, mass/weight, volume, time) using conversion factors and two-column tables.
Grade Level: 4
Subject Area: Mathematics (Measurement & Data • Number & Operations in Base Ten)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students explore how units within the same system relate by factors (e.g., 1 meter = 100 centimeters, 1 hour = 60 minutes). They build two-column tables, reason with multiplicative comparisons, and convert measurements in real-world contexts while keeping units precise.
Essential Questions
- How do I use a conversion factor to move from a larger unit to a smaller unit?
- Why do two-column tables help me see and explain equivalent measures?
- How do I keep units and reasonableness clear when solving measurement problems?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Build two-column tables of equivalent measures within one system (length, mass/weight, volume, time).
- Use conversion factors and multiplicative reasoning to convert larger units to smaller units.
- Explain and show conversions with equations, tables, or a unit T-chart; check for reasonableness.
- Solve context problems that require accurate units, labels, and interpretation of results.
- Identify and correct common errors (missing units, wrong factor direction, place-value slips).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4 (spiral across the unit)
- 4.MD.1: Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system (km, m, cm; kg, g; lb, oz; l, ml; hr, min, sec). Within a single system, express measurements in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Record measurement equivalents in a two-column table.
- Connections: 4.OA.3 (multistep word problems with units), 4.NBT.5 (multiplicative reasoning).
- Mathematical Practices (MP.1–MP.8) threaded throughout.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can fill a two-column table to show equivalent measurements.
- I can pick the right conversion factor and explain the direction of my conversion.
- I can keep units and labels correct and check if my answer is reasonable.