Year 3 Mathematics · AC9M3M02

Measure and compare objects using familiar metric units of length, mass and capacity, and instruments with labelled markings

Accurate measurement requires a suitable instrument, correct starting point, careful reading of labelled markings and a unit in the answer

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Learning goalsSay it simply

Accurate measurement requires a suitable instrument, correct starting point, careful reading of labelled markings and a unit in the answer.

Learning routine: Select instrument → Check zero and scale → Measure → Record unit → Compare

Success looks like

  • Choose instruments
  • Read rulers
  • Read scales
  • Record units
  • Compare measurements

Success criteria:

  • Choose instruments
  • Read rulers
  • Read scales
  • Record units
  • Compare measurements
Key conceptTeach from the board

Key idea: Accurate measurement requires a suitable instrument, correct starting point, careful reading of labelled markings and a unit in the answer.

Learning routine: Select instrument → Check zero and scale → Measure → Record unit → Compare

scale
the ordered markings on a measuring instrument
interval
the value between neighbouring scale marks
capacity
the amount a container can hold
Clean visual examplesOne-page board

Clean one-page examples

AC9M3M02 - Measure and compare objects using familiar metric units of length, mass and capacity, and instruments with labelled markings
Example 1

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Example 2

mass 750 g interval 100 g

Example 3

Read a ruler scale 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 13 cm Start at zero and read the marking at the object's endpoint. Read every label and identify what each quantity or feature represents. Describe the relationship shown by the model. Check that the conclusion answers the original question.

Example 4

Read mass and capacity scales mass 750 g interval 100 g capacity 1200 mL interval 200 mL Work out the value of each interval before reading the pointer or level. Apply the same relationship to the new context, then justify the answer using the labels and evidence shown.

Curriculum examplesCopied content

The content description and elaborations below show the curriculum ideas taught in this unit. Items marked as teaching context support lesson planning.

  • Content description: measure and compare objects using familiar metric units of length, mass and capacity, and instruments with labelled markings
  • E1: making a measuring tape using metric units of length and using it to measure and compare things; for example, the girth of a tree; explaining that the lines on a ruler show the beginning and end of each unit
  • E2: using a strip of centimetre grid paper to measure and compare the length of objects, connecting this with centimetre units on a ruler and using fractions of a graduation to give a more accurate measure
  • E3: discussing how the capacity of a container or object usually refers to the amount of liquid it can hold, measured in millilitres and litres; comparing the capacity of different sizes of familiar drinks; for example, 600 millilitres, one litre, 2 litre and 3 litre milk containers
  • E4: measuring and comparing the mass of objects and capacity of containers, using measuring jugs and kitchen or other scales and standard metric units of millilitres, litres, grams and kilograms; interpreting and explaining what the lines on the measuring jug or scales mean
  • E5: comparing the capacity of different beakers used in science lessons and using the numbered graduations to measure out different capacities of liquid

Australian, Victorian and NSW alignment retained from the previous page

RegionCurriculumClosest mapping
AustraliaAustralian Curriculum v9.0AC9M3M02 — measure and compare objects using familiar metric units of length, mass and capacity, and instruments with labelled markings
VictoriaVictorian Curriculum F-10Year 3 Maths: closest match in Measurement. Use this page as a VIC-aligned practice and worksheet reference.
NSWNSW CurriculumStage 2 Maths: closest content focus for Measure and compare objects using familiar metric units of length, mass and capacity, and instruments with labelled markings and related outcomes.
Questions and answersWith answers
What is the big idea in this topic?
Accurate measurement requires a suitable instrument, correct starting point, careful reading of labelled markings and a unit in the answer.
What routine should I use?
Select instrument → Check zero and scale → Measure → Record unit → Compare
How do I know I am ready to move on?
You can choose instruments, read rulers, read scales, record units, compare measurements and explain how your model or calculation supports the answer.
Practice and reviewReady for practice
  • Starting at ruler edge — Use the zero mark.
  • Counting marks not intervals — Read the scale values.
  • Missing unit — Every measurement needs its unit.

  1. Describe how to measure a broken pencil when the ruler's zero end is damaged.

  2. A student counts 6 ruler marks and says the object is 6 cm long. Explain why intervals matter.

Review hint: Follow the routine “Select instrument → Check zero and scale → Measure → Record unit → Compare” and use the worked model to check whether your answer is reasonable.

Curriculum alignmentStart here

Accurate measurement requires a suitable instrument, correct starting point, careful reading of labelled markings and a unit in the answer.

Learning routine: Select instrument → Check zero and scale → Measure → Record unit → Compare

Success looks like

  • Choose instruments
  • Read rulers
  • Read scales
  • Record units
  • Compare measurements

Success criteria:

  • Choose instruments
  • Read rulers
  • Read scales
  • Record units
  • Compare measurements
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