Math Expressions Grade 1, Unit 7: Comparison and Measurement
In this unit, your child compares lengths, measures with same-size objects, and organizes data in charts. They answer how many more and how many fewer questions about data and lengths. After the geometry, time, and equal shares unit, this last unit uses first grade number skills in real measuring and counting.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 7?
- Comparing lengths directly and putting three objects in order, using a third object when two cannot be lined up. Learn more: Ordering three things from shortest to longest
- Measuring with same-size units, like cubes or paper clips, and saying the length as a number of units. Learn more: Measuring length by lining up same-size objects
- Sorting data into up to three categories, or groups, and answering how many in all and how many more or fewer. Learn more: Sorting, tallying, and reading simple charts
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
Which object is usually the longest?
- A book
- A bus
- A shoe
How you can help
- Measure your child's shoe and your own with paper clips laid end to end. Ask how many more clips your shoe needs.
- Use a strip of paper to compare two doorways or windows that are too far apart to line up, then decide which is wider.
- Count the cups, plates, and bowls in the cupboard, and make a quick tally chart. Ask which group has more and how many more.
Where kids can get stuck
- Using different-size objects to measure, like big and small paper clips mixed, so the count is not fair.
- Leaving space between units while measuring, so the length seems shorter than it is.
- Losing or double-counting items while sorting, so the group totals no longer match the whole collection.
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
- length
- How long something is from one end to the other.
- compare
- Look at two things to decide which is more, less, longer, or shorter.
- measure
- Find out how long or big something is by counting units.
- length unit
- A same-size object, like a paper clip, used again and again to measure.
- data
- Facts or numbers that are collected, like everyone's favorite fruit.
- category
- A group that sorted things belong to, like red, blue, or green.
- tally mark
- A line drawn to count one thing; every fifth line crosses the other four.
- how many more
- Words that ask for the difference between two amounts.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with measuring and data?
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.
Join the club
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 Math Expressions Grade 1 Unit 7 cover?
Math Expressions Grade 1 Unit 7 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
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.