Science 5 1 B Measurement The Metric System

Science 5. 1 B Measurement

The Metric System • Scientists use the Metric System as a Standard Unit of Measurement ( S. I. ) • The reason they use the Metric System is so that every scientist around the world uses the same measurement.

Distance • Distance is how long, wide, short, deep, round, close or far away something is. • It is the distance between two points. • Scientists use Kilometers, Meters, Centimeters and Millimeters to measure distance.

Units of Distance • A kilometer is used to measure large distances. It is similar to a mile. • A meter is used to measure common distances, like how tall a person is. • A centimeter is used to measure smaller distances. It is like an inch. • A millimeter is used to measure very small distances, like a fraction.

Let’s try it out! • • • What would you use to measure: The height of a tree The circumference of a glass The length of a beetle The distance between South Hill and Totaro Elementary school.

How to measure accurately • Look at this image

Units • You have a small ruler. • How many MILLIMETERS are in one CENTIMETER? • Using your ruler, measure the distance of: • Your pencil length in Millimeters • Your binder in Centimeters • Your pencil diameter in Millimeters • The width of your desk in Centimeters

There are… • 10 Millimeters in one Centimeter. • 100 Centimeters in one Meter. • 1000 Meters in one Kilometer. • Now let’s see if you can match the right unit of measurement with the object.

Practice • Match the right unit of distance with the picture. Write your answer on a piece of paper. • Number your paper 1 – 4. Make sure your name is on it!

Final notes • Remember, when scientists want to measure the length, width, height, circumference or distance between points, the use METRIC units of distance. YOUR job is to know the right unit to use!