FUN Measurement!

Say it with me – Math should be FUN! Measurement is the perfect topic to include engaging, hands-on activities that get students excited about learning. Plus, it’s a real-world skill that kids will use for life! By incorporating fun measurement tasks  students will build strong skills while having a blast.

If you’re looking for engaging, hands-on ways to teach measurement, here are five must-try activities that will make your math lessons both fun and effective!

Hands On Measurement Activities for 2nd Grade

1. Measurement Projects

Nothing shows students’ understanding of measurement better than a hands-on project! A Measurement Project serves as a performance-based assessment, helping students apply their skills in a meaningful way.

In this project, students measure various parts of a robot (or another object) using inches and centimeters. Next, they’ll solve measurement word problems and compare different units of measurement, covering all the major 2nd-grade measurement standards. If students can successfully complete the project, it’s a great sign that they are meeting grade-level expectations!

🔹 Try this: Have students design their own robot and measure its parts! Not only does this reinforce measurement concepts, but it also adds a creative twist to math.

Activities on Measurement

2. Measuring Objects Around the Classroom

Let’s get kids up and moving! One of the best ways to practice measurement is by measuring real objects in the classroom. Hand out rulers and have students measure everyday items like books, pencils, or desks in both inches and centimeters.

To boost engagement, turn it into a scavenger hunt! Create a checklist of objects and have students record their measurements. Then, compare them with a partner.

🔹 Tip: Use color-coded rulers to help students easily differentiate between inches and centimeters.

3. Digital Measurement Activities

Technology to the rescue! Digital Ruler Practice is another fun measurement activity and a great way to reinforce skills without needing a ton of materials. For example, with Google Slides, students can measure objects on the screen and practice their skills in a paperless way.

I love assigning these for math centers or early finishers activities! Plus, it’s a lifesaver if you’re short on rulers.

🔹 Try this: Use a drag-and-drop measurement activity where students move a virtual ruler to measure objects.

4. Body Measuring Challenge

One of the most exciting ways to get kids engaged in measurement? Measuring themselves! A Body Measuring Challenge turns measurement into a fun, hands-on activity that gets students thinking about real-world applications.

First, have students work in pairs to measure different parts of their body—like their arms, legs, height, or even the length of their foot—using rulers or measuring tapes. Then, have them compare their measurements with a partner.

🔹 Extend the activity:

• Ask students to convert their measurements between inches and centimeters.
• Have them graph the class’s heights to practice data representation.
• Challenge them to estimate measurements first. Then, measure for accuracy.

5. Solving Measurement Word Problems

Word problems are a key part of 2nd-grade measurement standards! Students need to know how to apply measurement to real-world situations—whether they’re comparing lengths, adding measurements, or finding the difference between two objects.

The trick? Make it relatable! Use measurement word problems about measuring a pet’s leash, the length of a jump rope, or the height of a favorite stuffed animal.

🔹 Tip: Use task cards or math journals to make solving word problems more interactive.

If your students need help with addition and subtraction, I highly recommend using the Break Apart Strategy.

Final Thoughts

Measurement is the perfect math topic for hands-on learning because it connects to the real world in so many ways! Whether students are using rulers to measure objects, solving word problems, or comparing lengths, there are endless opportunities to make hands-on measurement engaging and interactive.

Which of these activities do you want to try first? Let me know in the comments! 🎉

P.S. If you’re looking for easy-to-use resources that reinforce these concepts, check out:

Robot Measurement Project – A hands-on project for measuring and comparing lengths
Digital Measurement Activites – A fun, interactive way to measure online
Measurement Word Problems – Real-world practice for solving measurement-based math problems

By incorporating these fun measurement activities, your students will gain confidence —while staying engaged!