Centimeters, Meters, and Kilometers Activities for Kids

In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about the metric system and centimeters, meters, and kilometers. These activities are designed to complement the BrainPOP Jr.  Centimeters, Meters, and Kilometers topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.

Classroom Activities for Teaching Centimeters, Meters, Kilometers

Millimeter Movie
Some students may be familiar with millimeters, a concept not covered in this movie. We urge you to make your own BrainPOP Jr. movie explaining millimeters. You can research and write the script together. Then you can perform in front of an audience or record the movie! We recommend submitting your movie to BrainPOP Educators, where you can also find many examples of student-made movies.

Dinosaurs!

Some dinosaurs were much bigger than animals living today. The Argentinosaurus was about 37 meters from head to tail! Have students research the lengths of different dinosaurs. Then have small groups or pairs go outside with sidewalk chalk and a meter stick or tape measure. They can measure and mark the animals’ lengths on the ground. This is a fun activity that allows students to explore dinosaurs and help them understand relative sizes.

Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching Centimeters, Meters, Kilometers

Treasure Map

Write a simple set of directions that lead to a “treasure.” For example, you may write “Walk 1 meter and then turn left” or “Find the book that is 60 centimeters from the left side of the shelf.” Then give your child a meter stick or a tape measure to help him or her find the treasure! As an added challenge, have your child write a set of direction for you, as well.

I Spy

Play a game of “I Spy” with your child. Give him or her a centimeter ruler and provide clues such as, “I spy with my little eye…something that is 5 centimeters long.” Have your child find the item. Ask your child to measure different objects and write their lengths down in a chart. Then reverse roles and play again.