Converting Units - Metric Units (Activity) - Planning

This Year 5 lesson plan focuses on converting metric units, a key skill for understanding measurements. The lesson begins with a starter activity that involves a quick recap of prior knowledge, followed by a practical class teaching input where children learn to convert units such as centimetres to millimetres and vice versa. The key vocabulary for the lesson includes terms like 'measurement', 'convert', and various units of length. Interactive activities, such as using mini whiteboards for partner work, allow children to practice the conversion process. They are encouraged to represent their answers in both whole numbers and decimals, enhancing their understanding of measurement and equivalence.

During the main activities, students are tasked with drawing lines of specific lengths to identify which lines are the same length when converted between units. They also engage in reasoning exercises, such as using bar models to solve multi-step problems involving conversions between metres and kilometres. Another practical activity includes identifying classroom items measured in grams and kilograms, with presentations to consolidate learning. The lesson addresses common misconceptions, such as the number of grams in a kilogram, and includes differentiation for varying levels of ability, from working towards the expected level to achieving greater depth. Students reflect on what they've learnt, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging, ensuring they understand the importance of accurate conversions in everyday measurements.