1. Conversions – 3rd Grade How to Convert Anything to Anything… Really!
Joy Wolfe – Math Coach

2. Before Teaching Conversions
Give students opportunities to explore units of measure contextually. (This link is available on slide 24 under video tutorials.)
Use stories and examples to illustrate conversions.
Stress with each example how converting from larger to smaller units is multiplication. (2 pints of milk multiplied by 2 cups in each pint gives you: 2 pints = 4 cups) This will help them in 4th grade and up when they will learn that converting smaller to larger units is division.

3. How many half gallons are in 3 gallons?
In this problem, you’re converting gallons to half gallons
3 gallons X 2 half gallons in each gallon = 6 half gallons
To convert larger to smaller units you multiply.

4. How many fingers are on 8 hands?
In this problem, you’re converting hands to fingers.
8 hands X 5 fingers = 40 fingers
To convert larger to smaller units you multiply.

5. Teach Them a Strategy That Works for Converting Any Type of Units

6. To convert from larger to smaller
units you multiply.
Remember the acronym laughing smelly mouse, or let your class come up with their own.

7. Set up the equation the same way every time. (Understand & Plan)
How many inches in 3 ft?
3 ft = _____ in

8. Drop the amount you know. (Solve)
How many inches in 3 ft?
3 ft = _____ in 3

9. Write the Operation. (Solve)
How many inches in 3 ft?
3 ft = _____ in
3 X

10. Insert the Amount of Smaller Units in Each Larger Unit. (Solve)
How many inches in 3 ft?
3 ft = _____ in
3 X 12

11. Solve and Label. How many inches in 3 ft? 3 ft = _____ in
3 X 12 = 36 in

12. See if Your Answer is Reasonable and is Labeled. (Check)
3 ft = 36 in
12 in
12 in
12 in

13. Now You Try. Plan How many minutes are in 4 hours?
4 hours = ______ minutes

14. Drop the Number You Know.
How many minutes are in 4 hours?
4 hours = ______ minutes 4

15. Write the Operation How many minutes are in 4 hours?
4 hours = ______ minutes
4 X

16. Write the Number of Smaller Units in Each Larger Unit.
How many minutes are in 4 hours?
4 hours = ______ minutes
4 X 60

17. Write and Label Your Answer
How many minutes are in 4 hours?
4 hours = ______ minutes
4 X 60
= 240 minutes

18. Check to be Sure it’s Reasonable.
4 hours = 240 minutes.
60 minutes minutes minutes minutes

19. Now You Try
2 gallons is equal to how many quarts?

20. Now You Try
How many feet are in 3 yards?

21. Now You Try
If Jose has five weeks to complete a project, how many days does he have to work?

22. Now You Try
Tanner has 7 dollar bills, and he wants to spend them in a gumball machine that only takes quarters! How many quarters can he trade for?

23. Web Resources
Video tutorials with practice
Brainpop Jr Inches and Feet username: rogersk12arus, password: bpop (See printed quizzes.)
Practice with conversions

24. Web Resources
I made video clip assignments for this PPT,and they’re unfortunately out of order when you open it. You can view the video as a whole on the site.
DEstreaming (formerly unitedstreaming) k-2 measurement video segments
DEstreaming (formerly unitedstreaming) 3-5 measurement video segments