Transcript Metric System

Learning Targets
“I can . . .”
-State the three basic units of the metric system and what they
measure.
-Convert metric units using decimal movements. (a.k.a. “The
Ladder Method”).
-Understand that the metric system units are based on powers
of 10, and we use different prefixes to reflect those units.
-Explain why the metric system is easier to use than
standard/English units.
-Understand how using a universal metric system makes it easier
for other scientists to duplicate and review the results of an
experiment.
A Brief History of Measurement
Metric prefixes versus English equivalents
Abbreviation Metric prefix English equivalent Mathematical equivalent
m
milli
thousanth
x 10-3
c
centi
hundredth
x 10-2
--
--
--
--
k
kilo
thousand
x 103
M
mega
million
x 106
G
giga
billion
x 109
T
tera
trillion
x 1012
P
peta
quadrillion
x 1015
E
exa
x 1018
To summarize . . .
The Metric System Song
(To the tune of “Arms Wide Open” by Creed)
Chorus:
The metric system is based on powers of ten.
The basic units are meters, liters and grams.
We convert using decimal movements
Don’t you fight it; it can be your friend the metric
system
Review of Ladder Method
What you will do today…
1. Collect data during an experiment, and make
precise measurements.
2. State the three basic units of the metric
system and what they measure.
3. Convert metric units using decimal
movements
Metric System Lab
Pre-Lab Discussion
Read the entire investigation. Then, work with a partner to
answer the following questions.
1. Why do scientists and other people in most countries use the
metric system for measurements?
2. Why is it easy to change from one unit to another in the SI
system?
3. What connections can you identify between the metric units
for length and volume?
4. Why is it difficult to convert miles to yards or feet?
5. Name several aspects of everyday life that will change when
our country converts to SI units.
References
http://www.rprogress.org/energyfootprint/basi
cs/?id=2a
http://vodpod.com/watch/639140-teachertubescience-rock-metric-system
http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_i
d=8896&title=Science_Rock_Metric_System
http://www.teachertube.com/user/bnewman