Introduction to Metric Measurement Length Fifth Grade Fifth

Introduction to Metric Measurement: Length Fifth Grade Fifth Six Weeks

Problem of the Day At theater, the price of a ticket was $7. 50 in 2001, $8. 00 in 2003, $8. 50 in 2005, and $9. 00 in 2007. If the pattern continues, in what year will the price reach $10. 00? Explain.

Two Systems of Measurement • There are two systems of measurement that are currently in use: – The Customary System – The Metric System is used… Internationally! The Metric System is also used in… Science!

We can use the Metric System to…Measure Length. Let’s review! • What is length? • Length is the distance from one point to another.

Measuring Length • The Metric units of length are: – Millimeters – Centimeters – Meters – Kilometers

Benchmarks – Non-Standard Measurement • 1 millimeter is about the thickness of a dime. • 1 centimeter is about the width of a pinky nail. (Wow. . . pretty small!) • 1 meter is about the width of a doorway (it is a little longer than a yard). • 1 kilometer is about 2 ½ times around a track! (Just a little longer than ½ of a mile!)

Partner Brainstorm • Which objects in the classroom can you predict are about one millimeter long? • Which objects in the classroom can you predict are about one centimeter long? • Which objects in the classroom can you predict are about one meter long? • Are there any objects in the classroom we could measure in kilometers?

Important Measurement Tips: When estimating… – If the object is probably less than a centimeter, the best unit of measurement is the millimeter. – If the object is probably more than 100 centimeters, then the best unit of measurement is meters.

**You should know these** • 1 Kilometer = 1, 000 meters • 1 meter = 100 centimeters • 1 meter = 1, 000 millimeters • 1 centimeter = 10 millimeters