Lesson 3
Metric Conversion and Multiplication by Powers of Ten
Lesson Purpose
The purpose of this lesson is for students to convert from a larger metric length unit to a smaller unit. Students observe patterns when different numbers are multiplied by 10, 100, or 1,000.
Lesson Narrative
In this lesson, students apply place value reasoning to convert between different metric lengths. Students notice patterns in whole number and decimal products when a number is multiplied by a power of 10 (MP7). This builds on the previous lesson where students studied powers of 10. This is the first of several lessons that focus on metric units, specifically length, which all differ by powers of 10. The contexts for the first two lessons come from different events in track and field. This lesson focuses on the standing broad jump and longer distance runs.
- Representation
- MLR8
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Convert from larger units to smaller units within a given system of measurement.
- Explain patterns in the number of zeros of the product when multiplying a number by powers of 10.
Student Facing
- Let’s notice patterns in metric measurements.
Required Materials
Materials to Gather
Required Preparation
Lesson Timeline
| Warm-up | 10 min |
| Activity 1 | 20 min |
| Activity 2 | 15 min |
| Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
| Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
Reflect on your experience with the Number Talks in the curriculum. What questions have you asked to connect student thinking during this routine? What new questions could you ask next time?
Suggested Centers
- Number Puzzles: Multiplication and Division (4–5), Stage 2: Multi-digit Factors (Supporting)
- Five in a Row: Multiplication (3–5), Stage 3: Two-digit Factors (Supporting)