Same Quantity, Different Units: Converting Measurements Using Ratios
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Students will convert units of measurement within and across measurement systems by reasoning about equivalent ratios and unit rates, representing conversions on double number lines and in tables.
Lesson Overview
Students discover that two measurements of the same quantity in different units always form equivalent ratios, then use double number lines, tables, and unit rates to convert flexibly between measurement systems in real-world contexts.
Materials
- Vertical whiteboards or large chart paper
- Dry-erase markers (one color per group)
- Pencils and notebook paper
- Basic calculator or phone calculator
Scaffolded Task Progression
[ Interactive graph / diagram, available in the full lesson ]
The double number line shows miles and kilometers for the same distances. What distance in kilometers matches 2 miles?
Copy and complete this table:
| Miles | Kilometers |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.609 |
| 3 | ? |
| 5 | ? |
| 10 | ? |
What pattern do you notice?
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