Join the adventurous duo Estimating Emma and Measuring Mitch as they take your students on a fun and educational journey to estimate and measure the length of everyday objects found in the classroom or school yard. This engaging centimetres-based activity is perfect for developing skills in both estimation and formal measuring using rulers.

Students are invited to locate specific items listed on the worksheet, then make an informed guess about the length of each item in centimetres. After making their estimations, students use a ruler to measure the actual length of each object and record both sets of data side by side. This not only enhances their measurement skills but also encourages them to refine their estimation accuracy through hands-on learning and reflection.

A blank template is also provided, allowing students to choose their own objects to estimate and measure. This encourages independence and critical thinking, while also allowing the activity to be tailored to suit your classroom environment and available materials. It’s an ideal way to blend numeracy skills with investigative learning.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Practise estimating the length of real-world objects using centimetres
• ✅ Use a ruler accurately to measure length in centimetres
• ✅ Compare estimated and actual measurements to build precision
• ✅ Record and analyse data to support reasoning and reflection

What’s Included

• 1 printable worksheet listing classroom or outdoor items to be measured
• 1 blank worksheet for student-created measurement tasks
• Columned layout for recording estimated and actual lengths
• Clear, student-friendly instructions for independent or guided use

Materials Needed

• Printed worksheets (choose between the item list or blank version)
• Rulers for each student or pair
• Pencils or pens
• Optional: clipboards for outdoor measuring adventures

How to Use

1. Start with a class discussion about estimation and why it’s useful in real life.
2. Review how to use a ruler correctly, ensuring students start at the 0 cm mark.
3. Distribute the worksheets and rulers, and assign students to work independently or in pairs.
4. Students estimate the length of each object in centimetres and record their guess.
5. They then measure each object and record the actual length.
6. Conclude with a reflection activity where students compare their estimations to the actual results and discuss any patterns or surprises.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use during a Maths rotation focused on length and measurement
• 💡 Conduct as a class walk-around to explore objects beyond the classroom
• 💡 Pair with a science unit on inquiry skills and observation
• 💡 Encourage students to set personal estimation accuracy goals

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Laminate the blank templates for reuse with whiteboard markers
• 💛 Differentiate by adjusting the number or complexity of objects to be measured
• 💛 Model one or two examples as a class before students work independently
• 💛 Print on coloured paper to visually separate different versions of the worksheet

‘Estimating Emma & Measuring Mitch: Centimetres’ is a versatile and engaging way to introduce or reinforce key measurement concepts. With practical application and hands-on learning, this activity builds both confidence and skill in using centimetres accurately.

You might also be interested in this style of resource for measuring in metres: Estimating Emma and Measuring Mitch: Metres, or a mix of both metres and centimetres: Estimating Emma and Measuring Mitch: Mixed.