Metric Measurements Science 6

Mrs. LaMar

Name:________________________ Date:__________________________

International System of Units

(SI)

The Metric System

is also known as the

Why was the International System of

Units created?

The metric system was invented because countries were using many different systems of measurement causing confusion and lack of consistency.

Almost all countries, except

for the United States and a few others.

The United States uses the standard or customary.

So, what countries use the Metric System?

Why as scientists do we use SI?

We needed to be able to compare our data and results with other countries.

We are easily able to convert this system because of Base 10.

What are some of the measurements we will make using SI units?

• Length

• Volume

• Mass

• Temperature

• Time

• Density

• Weight

What type of unit do we measure each variable with?

Length = meters

Volume = liters/cm3

Mass = grams (kilograms)

Temperature = celsius (degree)

Time = seconds

Density = g/cm3

Weight = newtons

Length In SI our basic unit of length is the meter.

The four main length units we use in science are: millimeter, centimeter, meter and kilometer.

The main tool we use to measure length is the metric ruler or meter stick.

Length measures the distance from one point to another.

For smaller measurements we use a ruler which has centimeters and millimeters.

The longer lines on the metric ruler

are called…

centimeters (cm)

The shorter lines on the metric ruler are called…

millimeters (mm)

How many millimeters(mm) are in one centimeter(cm)?

Pick the appropriate unit for measuring each.

Nickel = millimeters

Ceiling = meters

Desk = centimeters

Doorway = meters

Distance to Disney = kilometers

Grain of rice = millimeters

Track = meters

THE METRIC CONVERSION CHART

Kilo 1000

units

Hecto 100

units

Deka 10

units

Basic Unit

Deci 0.1

units

Centi 0.01

units

Milli 0.001

units

To convert to a smaller unit, move decimal point to the right or

multiply.

To convert to a larger unit, move decimal point to the left or divide

King Henry Doesn’t Usually Drink Chocolate Milk

Length Units of SI

King Henry Doesn’t Usually Drink Chocolate Milk

Kilo

Kilo-meter

km

Hecto

Hecto-meter

hm

Deka

Deka-meter

dam

Unit

Meter

m

Deci

Deci-meter

dm

Centi

Centi- meter

cm

Milli

Milli-meter

mm