Dive into measurement learning with the engaging and hands-on Measure It! Ocean Game. This interactive resource invites students to explore the concept of length using a fun ocean theme filled with colourful sea creatures. With 12 versatile activity cards included, students can practise comparing, sorting and measuring using a variety of tools that suit your classroom’s needs and their current learning level.

This resource is designed to develop key measurement skills in an enjoyable and practical way. Students can start by simply comparing and ordering the length of the sea creatures visually. Once they’ve had a go at estimating or sorting by eye, they can take their learning further by selecting a measurement tool and recording the actual lengths on the included Ocean Recording Sheet. This activity allows for differentiation, exploration and repeated use.

The ocean theme provides a rich and engaging context, sparking curiosity and encouraging students to participate actively. By integrating real-world connections and choice in measurement tools, students build confidence in selecting appropriate strategies and interpreting length. This resource is ideal for consolidating informal or formal measurement skills and can be used flexibly in rotations, as a centre activity or even as an independent task.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Develop skills in comparing, ordering and measuring length
• ✅ Use informal and formal measurement tools with accuracy
• ✅ Record data clearly on a structured recording sheet
• ✅ Engage in hands-on exploration using visual estimation and precise measuring

What’s Included

• 12 ocean-themed measurement activity cards featuring a variety of sea creatures
• Ocean Recording Sheet for students to log measurements
• Full instructions for use across multiple formats (visual comparison, tool-based measuring, ordering)

Materials Needed

• Printed activity cards (ideally on thick card for durability)
• Ocean Recording Sheets (one per student or group)
• Optional measurement tools such as:
  • - Rulers (for standard measurement practice)
  • - Paperclips, blocks or other informal units
  • - Pencils or markers for recording

How to Use

1. Introduce the concept of length and discuss formal vs informal units of measurement.
2. Distribute the sea creature cards among students or small groups.
3. Begin by sorting and visually ordering the cards from shortest to longest.
4. Next, have students select a measurement tool and measure each card’s sea creature.
5. Students record their results on the Ocean Recording Sheet and check for accuracy.
6. Encourage comparison and discussion among students about strategies and results.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as a Maths centre activity during your length measurement unit
• 💡 Create a whole-class game where teams race to order the sea creatures accurately
• 💡 Extend learning by having students create new sea creature cards with their own measurements
• 💡 Combine with a water or marine-themed unit for cross-curricular integration

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Print cards on coloured cardstock and laminate for ongoing use
• 💛 Enlarge to A3 size for younger students or whole-class modelling
• 💛 Encourage students to justify their ordering decisions using mathematical language
• 💛 Add a challenge by mixing in incorrect estimates for students to identify and correct

Measure It! Ocean Game is a flexible and playful way to reinforce key measurement concepts. With real-world connections, differentiated options and an engaging ocean theme, this resource is sure to make a splash in your Maths classroom!