Bridges in Mathematics Grade 2, Unit 4: Measurement Fractions & Data
In this unit, your child measures real objects in inches and centimeters, finds how much longer one thing is than another, and solves story problems about length. They record measurements on a line plot, a number line with an X for each measurement, and they split shapes into halves, thirds, and fourths. Next, the year turns to bigger numbers, with place value to 1,000.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 4?
- Measuring objects with rulers, yardsticks, and measuring tapes, lining each one up with the zero mark. Learn more: Measuring with a ruler, yardstick, or tape
- Measuring two objects in the same unit and subtracting to find how much longer one is than the other. Learn more: Measuring how much longer one thing is
- Solving story problems about length, like how much ribbon is left, by adding or subtracting and writing the unit. Learn more: Story problems about length
- Measuring several objects and showing the lengths on a line plot, with one X above each measurement. Learn more: Measuring things and making a line plot
- Splitting circles and rectangles into two, three, or four equal shares and naming them halves, thirds, and fourths. Learn more: Halves, thirds, and fourths of shapes
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
A door is measured using which tool?
- Ruler
- Measuring Tape
- Small paper clip
How you can help
- Measure everyone's shoes in inches, then make a line plot on scrap paper with an X for each shoe. Ask which length came up most.
- Lay two spoons side by side, measure each one, and ask how much longer one is than the other. Let your child explain whether to add or subtract.
- Fold a napkin or a sheet of paper into halves, then fourths, and ask whether every piece is the same size. Then talk about why a fourth is smaller than a half.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the two lengths when the question asks how much longer, answering 12 inches instead of 2 for 7 and 5 inches.
- Counting the tick marks on a ruler instead of the spaces between them, getting one more than the real length.
- Calling any three pieces thirds, even when one piece is clearly bigger than the others.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- inch
- A small unit of length, about the width of a grown-up's thumb.
- centimeter
- A small metric unit of length, about the width of a fingertip.
- measuring tape
- A long, bendable strip marked with units, for measuring big or curved things.
- line plot
- A number line with an X above it for each measurement collected.
- data
- Information collected by counting, measuring, or asking questions.
- equal shares
- Parts of a whole that are all exactly the same size.
- half
- One of two equal shares of a whole.
- third
- One of three equal shares of a whole.
- fourth
- One of four equal shares of a whole, also called a quarter.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with measuring and fractions?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Grade 2 Unit 4 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 2 Unit 4 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 2.MD.A.1: Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools.
- 2.MD.A.4: Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another.
- 2.MD.B.5: Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving lengths.
- 2.MD.D.9: Generate measurement data by measuring lengths of several objects.
- 2.G.A.3: Partition circles and rectangles into two, three, or four equal shares.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.