Measurement-A Common Language

Length

Measuring Length

The longer lines on the metric ruler are called…

• centimeters

The shorter lines on the metric ruler are called…

• millimeters

One centimeter is divided into how many millimeters?

• 10 millimeters (mm)

Figure 2: Calculating: Measure the turtle in figure 2 from the rear of its shell to the tip of its nose. Record its

length in both centimeters and millimeters.

• 10.5 cm

• 105 mm

Mass

• The measure of the amount of matter an object contains

• Matter: The material that all objects and substances are made up of

• Anything that has mass and takes up space is matter

A smaller object’s mass such as a paper clip would be measured in

• Smaller objects such as a paper clip would be measure in milligrams.

How does a triple-beam balance work?

• A triple-beam balance works by comparing the mass of the object you are measuring to a known mass

• When you use a triple-beam balance, you:

1. Place the object on the pan2. Shift the riders on the beams until them balance

the mass of the object• Start with the large rider (increments of 100)• Next, the medium sized rider (increments of

10)• Lastly, the small rider (increments of 1)

Label the different parts of the triple-beam balance.

Figure 3: Observing - What is the mass of this turtle?

• 153.7 grams

Mass

The Difference Between Mass and Weight

How would your weight differ if you were to travel to the moon?

• If you were to travel to the moon your weight would be less.

• Your weight would be lesser because the force of gravity is less.

• Weight is a factor of the force of gravity

Volume

• The amount of space an object takes up

Volume

Volume of Liquids

When measuring the volume of a liquid, scientists use a unit known as the…

• Liter (L).

To measure the volume of smaller liquids, the _________ is used.

• Milliliter (mL)

The instrument used to measure the volume of liquids is called the…

• Graduated cylinder.

This instrument has markings that are in increments of…

• 1 milliliter (mL)

Meniscus

• The curve in the top surface of water in the graduated cylinder

Figure 4: Observing - What is the proper way to read a meniscus?

• Read the milliliter marking at the bottom of the curve

Volume

Volume of Rectangular Solids

How can the volume of a solid object such as a shoebox be measured?

• To measure a solid objects that are regular shaped, a formula for volume can be applied

• To measure a rectangular object such as a shoebox, multiply the object’s length, width, and height

Suppose a cereal box is 10 centimeters long, 4 centimeters wide, and 20 centimeters high. What would be the volume of the box?

Volume = Length x Width x Height

Volume = 10 cm x 4 cm x 20 cm

Volume = 800 cm³