standard_description: Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units including km, m, cm; kg, g; lb, oz.; l, ml; hr, min, sec. Within a single system of measurement, express measurements in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Record measurement equivalents in a two column table. For example, know that 1 ft is 12 times as long as 1 in. Express the length of a 4 ft snake as 48 in. Generate a conversion table for feet and inches listing the number pairs (1, 12), (2, 24), (3, 36), ...
problem_activity: Narrative
In this activity, students find the perimeter of several shapes and write expressions that show their reasoning. Each side of the shape is labeled with its length, prompting students to notice repetition in some of the numbers. The perimeter of all shapes can be found by addition, but students may notice that it is efficient to reason multiplicatively rather than additively (MP8). For example, they may write
\(4 \times 6\frac{1}{3}\)
instead of
\(6\frac{1}{3} + 6\frac{1}{3} + 6\frac{1}{3} + 6\frac{1}{3}\)
.
MLR8 Discussion Supports.
Synthesis: Some students may benefit from the opportunity to rehearse what they will say with a partner before they share with the whole class.
Advances: Speaking
Launch
Groups of 2–4
Activity
3–4 minutes: independent work time
2 minutes: group discussion
Student Facing
Find the perimeter of each shape. Write an expression that shows how you find the perimeter.
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Compare your expressions with your partners’ expressions. Make 1–2 observations.
Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
Invite students to share the expressions they wrote for the perimeter of each shape. Record the expressions.
For each shape, ask: “What is the same about these expressions? What is different?” (They each use the side lengths in the shape. They each show the total length around the shape. Some use addition, some use multiplication, some use both multiplication and addition.)
Highlight that when two or more sides have the same length, the perimeter can be found by adding, multiplying, or a combination of both.


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