K-2
3-5
The study of measurement is crucial in the pre-K-12 mathematics curriculum because of its practicality and pervasiveness in so many aspects of everyday life. The study of measurement also provides an opportunity for learning about other areas of mathematics, such as number operations, geometric ideas, statistical concepts, and notions of function.
Measurement is the assignment of a numerical value to an attribute of an object. In the earliest grades, students can compare and order objects using language such as longer and shorter. As they progress through the grades, students’ collection of measurable attributes, their understanding of the relationships among attributes, and their understanding of precision in measurement should expand. (Principles and Standards for School Mathematics: An Overview, NCTM)