Metric System and Conversions

8th Grade Science

Why the Metric System?

In science class, we will be using the Metric System. The metric system is a system of measurement that is used by scientists all over the world.

The metric system is simpler and easier to use and understand than traditional measurement systems

Most countries only use the metric system. In the United States, we use the English or Standard

measurement System.

Metric/S.I. Units

Depending on what we are measuring, we will use different units• Length: meter (m)

• Mass: gram (g)

• Temperature: Celsius (°C) or Kelvin (K)

• Time: second (s)

• Volume: cubic meter (m3) for solids or liter (L) for liquids

• These are all called base units

Data can be recorded quantitatively (numbers) or qualitatively (descriptions/observations)

Prefixes Denote (tells you) where the decimal is placed When you add a prefix, it changes the value of

the number• Kilo (K) = 1000

• Hecta (H) = 100

• Deca (D) = 10

• Deci (d) = 0.1 (1/10)

• Centi (c) = 0.01 (1/100)

• Milli (m) = 0.001 (1/1000)

Converting Between Metric Units

Use the conversion staircase For each step moved up, move the

decimal point the same number to the left

For each step moved down, move the decimal point the same number to the right

Metric to Metric Conversion Practice

3 m

0.3 dkm

0.03 hm

0.003 km

Convert 3 meters to kilometers

Metric to Metric Conversion Practice

5 m

50 dm

500 cm

5000 mm

Convert 5 meters to millimeters

Independent Practice

Convert 5 meters to centimeters Convert 0.92454 milligrams to grams Convert 1,000 liters to deciliters Convert 30 kilograms to grams

English (Customary) to Metric Units

Use conversion sheet

Independent Practice

Convert 5 inches to centimeters Convert 0.92454 yards to meters Convert 1,000 pounds to kilograms Convert 30 gallons to liters

Works Cited PowerPoint Presentation modified with permission from

Baker, G. (2013, June 13). Metric Mania [PowerPointslides].

Retrieved from

http://www.thesciencequeen.net/Metric%20Mania1.pdf

Images

Camelbak. (2013). Bottles. Retrieved from http://shop.camelbak.com/bottles/l/200

iRuler. (2013, September 26). Online ruler. Retrieved from iruler.net

Paine, Crystal. (2010, January 18). Free Gallon of milk with $100 grocery purchase. Retrieved from

http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/01/free-gallon-of-milk-with-100-grocery-purchase.html

Wood, Monika. (2011, November 23). Meter Stick-Yard Stick_1A10.35. Retrieved from

https://sharepoint.umich.edu/lsa/physics/demolab/Main%20Photo%20Library/

Meter%20Stick%20-%20Yard%20Stick_1A10.35.JPG