How to Measure Your Desk
Every year on May 20, people celebrate World Metrology Day. Metrology is the science of measuring things.
You can be a measuring scientist in your own classroom. Follow these steps to find the length of your desk.
What You Need
- One classroom desk
- A tape measure marked in centimeters (make sure it is long enough for the whole desk edge)
- Paper and a pencil
- A classmate to be your partner
Step 1: Choose the Edge
Look at your desk. Pick the front edge that faces where you sit.
You will measure this edge from one corner to the other.
Step 2: Line Up the Zero Mark
Find the zero mark at the start of your tape measure.
Place the zero line right on the left corner of the desk edge.
Do not start at the number one, or your count will be wrong!
Step 3: Stretch the Tape Flat and Straight
Pull the tape measure across to the other corner.
Keep the tape flat on the wood. Do not let it twist or bend.
A bent tape makes the desk seem longer than it really is.
Make sure there are no loose gaps along the wood.
Step 4: Read the Number
Look at the opposite corner of the desk.
- edge:
- The outer border or side of an object.
- tape measure:
- A long strip marked with numbers used to measure length.
- centimeters:
- Small units used to measure how long something is.
- flat:
- Smooth and level without bumps, bends, or folds.
- unit:
- A standard word or symbol used to show how an amount is measured.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What holiday is celebrated every year on May 20?
- 2What is metrology?
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About this how-to / procedural passage for Lower Elementary
“How to Measure Your Desk” is a how-to / procedural reading passage about Measuring with a Centimeter Tape, written for Lower Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (338 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.