They pack the blocks as much as possible and record their work. Students learn to estimate and measure lengths using non-standard measurement tools.
Students use estimation and measurement skills to determine lengths of objects.
They compare and contrast results and strategies for measuring the items. They also use observation and reasoning skills to compare the number of single blocks with the number of packed blocks of each size. Common objects to measure such as the classroom bookcase, a desk or table edge, rugs, etc. Students will need to decide, as a class, how to deal with the fact that the last block may not fit exactly into the length of the object. Discussion should include the various options allowed when measuring objects that do not evenly fit the form of measurement, in this case single blocks.