Thinking sheet · Math and science

Measure a Monster

Draw a monster on squared paper, then count how tall and wide it is and how many squares it covers.

Grades
1–5
Time
about 25 minutes
Kids practice
measuring with units, area by counting squares, comparing

What kids do

“Draw a monster on the grid. Then measure it in squares!”

  1. Draw your monster on the grid (use the lines!)
  2. Squares tall:
  3. Squares wide:
  4. Squares it covers:
  5. My monster is taller / wider (circle one) because…

How to run it

  • Count half-covered squares as one, or as half for older kids.
  • Grid drawing practice makes the monster easier to keep inside the lines.
  • Line monsters up from smallest to biggest area.

Talk about it

  • Whose monster was tallest? Whose covered the most squares?
  • Can a tall monster cover fewer squares than a short one?
  • How could we make the monster twice as big?

Take it further

Redraw the monster twice as big on a bigger grid and measure again.

Pairs well with

Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.

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