CBSE Class 1 Maths Chapter 7: Measurement

Understanding Visual Comparisons

In Class 1, we learn about measurement by looking at things and comparing them. We do not use rulers or measuring tapes yet! Instead, we train our eyes to spot differences in sizes.

• Longer and Shorter: This is used when objects are lying down horizontally (flat). For example, a long train and a short bus.
• Taller and Shorter: This is used for vertical objects standing up straight. For example, a tall giraffe and a short rabbit.
• Thicker and Thinner: This describes how fat or slim an object is, like a thick tree trunk versus a thin branch.
• Heavier and Lighter: This describes weight. A big stone is heavy to lift, while a dry leaf is light and can float in the wind. We also learn non-standard units like measuring with our handspan (the stretch of our fingers) or footsteps.

How to Compare Objects Correctly

1. Align the starting points — Always place the two objects side-by-side starting from the exact same line. If one object starts further ahead, your comparison will be incorrect.
2. Look at the ending points — Observe which object extends further out. The one that stretches out more is the 'longer' or 'taller' one.
3. Choose the right words — Use words like 'taller' for standing objects, 'longer' for flat objects, and 'thicker' for round objects to describe what you see.

Fun Examples of Measurements

• Comparing Lengths: A green caterpillar is 5 units long and a red caterpillar is 3 units long. The green caterpillar is longer than the red one.
• Comparing Heights: Papa is taller than Baby. Baby is shorter than Papa.
• Comparing Weights: A football is heavier than a balloon. The balloon is lighter than the football.
• Comparing Thickness: A fat marker pen is thicker than a thin wooden pencil.

Tutor Tip: Keep It Straight!

When you are comparing the length of two ropes or threads, always make sure they are pulled straight and flat on the ground! If one rope is curled up or wiggly, it will look shorter than it actually is. Always stretch them out fully before you compare their sizes.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: Rohan measures his study table using his handspan. It is 8 handspans long. Riya measures the same table and gets 10 handspans. Whose hand is smaller? A: Step 1: Count the handspans for both children. Rohan has 8 handspans, and Riya has 10 handspans. Step 2: Understand that a smaller hand will fit more times across the same table. Step 3: Since Riya needs more handspans (10) to cover the same distance, her hand must be smaller. Final answer: Riya's hand is smaller.
• Q: You have a leaf, a feather, and a heavy school bag. Which object is the heaviest, and which is the lightest? A: Step 1: Compare the weights of all three objects based on how easy they are to lift. Step 2: A feather is extremely light and can fly in the wind. A leaf is also light, but heavier than a feather. A school bag full of books is hard to lift. Step 3: Identify the heavy and light items. Final answer: The school bag is the heaviest, and the feather is the lightest.
• Q: A ladder has 12 steps, and another ladder has 6 steps. Which ladder is shorter? A: Step 1: Count the number of steps on both ladders. Ladder A has 12 steps, and Ladder B has 6 steps. Step 2: Understand that more steps make a ladder taller, and fewer steps make it shorter. Step 3: Compare 6 and 12. Since 6 is less than 12, the ladder with 6 steps is shorter. Final answer: The ladder with 6 steps is shorter.
• Q: What is a handspan, and how do we use it to measure a book? A: Step 1: Define handspan. A handspan is the distance from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your little finger when your hand is stretched wide. Step 2: Place your thumb at the bottom corner of the book. Step 3: Stretch your hand and see how many handspans it takes to reach the top corner of the book. Final answer: A handspan is a body measurement. To measure a book, count how many stretched hands fit along its side.

Frequently Asked Questions