← All lesson plans
Full access Geometry and mathsArt and pattern

A measure made of blocks: how many unit sticks?

Make three flat PLA unit sticks, each approximately 51 × 16 mm and approximately 2 mm high. Measure two edges of your exercise book with them and compare the results with a ruler measurement in centimetres.

Age
7–8 years
Length
approx. 45 min
Level
Medium
Where you teach
School
Purpose
Educational
Choose a plan in the shop Enter a code

How to run this session

Stages and timing
  1. Stick 1: two crossbars
  2. Stick 1: close the first frame layer
  3. Stick 1: second frame layer
  4. Stick 2: two crossbars
  5. Stick 2: close the first frame layer
  6. Stick 2: second frame layer
  7. Stick 3: two crossbars
  8. Stick 3: close the first frame layer
  9. Stick 3: second frame layer
  10. Measure both edges: count placements

What gets built

Three unit sticks and a record of two measurements.

What it practises
  • Measuring length with a non-standard unit through repeated placements.
  • Reading and recording a ruler measurement in centimetres.
  • Recognising measurement errors (gaps, overlaps, approximation) and distinguishing a personal unit from the centimetre.
  • Guiding a 3D pen carefully along a 1:1 pattern with ongoing checking and repair.

Success criteria
  • The pupil made three unit sticks, compared them and recorded the check result even when their lengths differ.
  • The pupil measured two segments without visible gaps or overlaps and counted placements, rather than pieces, along the longer edge.
  • The pupil recorded each segment length in unit sticks and in centimetres.
  • The pupil identified the unit-stick result as approximate and gave at least one reason.
  • The pupil distinguishes counts of units from centimetres: their 3 unit sticks may differ from a classmate's 3, whereas 15 cm means the same length for everyone.

What you need
Filament
PLA
Colours
colour shown in the illustration
Also
3D pen: 1 per pupil, with a stand/holder for the hot tip, PLA filament used throughout the activity; colours may differ, transparent working film: 1 per pupil, placed OVER W1 and secured along at least two edges with tape or clips, W1 1:1 pattern, "Three unit sticks": 1 A4 sheet per pupil, printed at 100%, "How many unit sticks, how many centimetres?" observation sheet: 1 separate A4 sheet per pupil, pencil: 1 per pupil, 30 cm school ruler with a scale covering the entire longer edge of an A5 exercise book (21 cm) - 1 per pupil, exercise book: 1 per pupil; the same format for the whole class, A5 by default

Files

The files for this plan are part of full access

Anyone can read the description. The slides, instructions and worksheet open with full access to the Creators Club. Choose a plan in the shop, then enter the code from the email in your account. Access starts when you enter the code.

Choose a plan in the shop Enter a code

How did the session go?

Your rating and notes come to us only. We do not publish them; we use them to improve the plans.

Rate it school-style, from 1 to 6.

Version ecda19e8-b1ce-4c51-8c5a-eb7d827c280a Updated 2026-10-15

Write to us