Lesson 7
Multi-step Conversion Problems: Customary Length
Lesson Purpose
The purpose of this lesson is for students to solve problems involving customary length units.
Lesson Narrative
In this lesson, students solve multi-step conversion problems with standard length units. These conversions can be more challenging because they involve multiplying by numbers other than 10 and powers of 10. This means that students will use the skills they developed in previous units where they learned to multiply whole numbers and fractions. Students continue to work with whole numbers and fractions and to think strategically about whether to convert from the larger unit to the smaller unit or from the smaller unit to the larger unit.
- Engagement
- MLR8
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Solve multi-step problems involving customary length measurement conversions.
Student Facing
- Let’s solve multi-step problems about customary length.
Required Materials
Required Preparation
Activity 1:
- Create a set of cards from the blackline master for each group of 2.
Activity 2:
- Before the lesson, figure out a location that students would be familiar with that is about 1 mile away from the school. You will share this location in the launch to help students understand how far 1 mile is.
Lesson Timeline
| Warm-up | 10 min |
| Activity 1 | 15 min |
| Activity 2 | 20 min |
| Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
| Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
When students were sorting the lengths, what question did you ask to help students make connections?
Suggested Centers
- Would You Rather? (2–5), Stage 3: Compare Units in a Given System (Addressing)
- Compare (1–5), Stage 6: Add and Subtract Fractions (Supporting)
Print Formatted Materials
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| Student Task Statements | docx | |
| Lesson Cover Page | docx | |
| Cool Down | Log In | |
| Teacher Guide | Log In | |
| Teacher Presentation Materials | docx | |
| Blackline Masters | zip |