Measuring Tools
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Measurement-cover.jpg?w=1024)
We measure things every day. Measurement helps us learn about our world. It helps us complete tasks
task
JOSE LUIS PELAEZ INC—GETTY IMAGES
a job or chore for someone to do
(noun)
Making my bed is a task I complete each day.
. And it helps us get things right. There are many different tools for measuring. Take a look.
A stopwatch measures time.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TrackRace_Composite_preview.jpg?w=1024)
Ready? Go! How long will it take for these people to run around the track
track
CAVAN IMAGES—GETTY IMAGES
a circular path that is used for running
(noun)
The horses raced around the track.
? Using a stopwatch will give us this information.
A ruler measures length.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TFK_201225_007_preview.jpg?w=1024)
A tape measure is a ruler that rolls up. This construction
construction
MIN GEOLSHIK—GETTY IMAGES
having to do with building something
(adjective)
Building a bridge is a big construction project.
worker is measuring a wall. To do her job, she needs to know the wall’s length.
A thermometer measures temperature.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TFK_201225_004_preview.jpg?w=1024)
How hot? How cold? A thermometer measures temperature in degrees.
A scale measures weight.
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TFK_201225_001_preview.jpg?w=1024)
How many pounds
pound
TETRA IMAGES-JESSICA PETERSON—GETTY IMAGES
a unit of weight
(noun)
My dog Milo weighs 10 pounds.
of bananas is this? The scale will tell us.
Try It!
![](https://www.timeforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TFK_201225_003_preview.jpg?w=1024)
Grab some markers. Use them to measure something. How long is each marker? How many did you use? How long is the thing you measured?