Essential Question

Answer this question: what kinds of
information can scientists learn by
measuring things?
Chat with a purpose:

What is the metric system?

Identify at least three important factors
that make the metric system useful.
Chat with a purpose:

What happens when you multiply or
divide by 10?

How does basing a measurement
system based the on number 10 make
using the system more efficient?
Check it out!
Who uses the metric system? Or
better yet, who doesn’t? Whoa!
Check Your Work!
Metric System:
• is a system of measurement based on the number 10.
• is used by all scientists and most countries as a common language of measurement.
• The metric system is also known as SI (International System of Units).
• Only the US, Myanmar and Liberia have not officially adopted metric system. (See map next slide)
What do you want
to measure?
Definition
Tool
Basic Metric Unit
and Abbreviation
English System
Unit
Length
The distance between 2
points.
Meter stick
Metric ruler
Meter (m)
Yard foot inch
miles
Volume
The amount of 3-D space an
object occupies.
Beaker
Graduated
Cylinder
Liter (L)
The amount of matter
(particle) in an object.
Triple-Beam
Balance
Gram (g)
Fl.ounces
gallons pints
quarts cups
teaspoons
Pounds
Tons
ounces
Measurement of kinetic
(motion) energy of particles
in an object.
Fast = hot slow = cold
thermometer
Degrees Celsius
(ºC)
Mass
Temperature
Kelvin (K)
Degrees
Fahrenheit
Prefixes to make larger units
Prefixes to make smaller units
Kilo (K) = 1,000
Hecto (H) = 100
Deka (Da) = 10
Meter
Gram
Liter
________________
Base Metric Unit (1)
Deci (d) = 1/10 or 0.1
Centi (c) =1/100 or 0.01
Milli (m) =
1/1000 or 0.001
In order to help you remember these prefixes, create a MNEMONIC DEVICE:
King Hector dances during class moments.
Prefix + Base Unit = New Unit!
Examples:
Kilo + meter = kilometer (1,000 times the length of a meter. 1,000 meters =
kilometer)
Centi + liter = centiliter (1/100th of the volume of a liter. 100 centiliters = 1 liter)