Measurement• There are 2 systems of measurement used today: the
metric system and the customary system• Most of the world uses the metric system.• The United States, Liberia, and Burma use the
customary system.• The customary system is also called the standard
system and imperial system (similar system used in the United Kingdom).
Watch this video on the history of measurement:
Metric & Standard Measurement
Metric system• Millimeter: length equal to
one thousandth of a meter• 1,000 mm = 1 m• Centimeter: length equal
one hundredth of a meter• 100 cm = 1 m• Meter: basic length of the
metric system equal to 1,000 mm
• Kilometer: length equal to 1,000 m
• 1,000 m = 1 km
Metric system• Used by most countries in the world• Based on a system of 10’s just like decimals to make
conversions easier]• Converting from one unit to the other just involves
moving the decimal left or right the correct number of places
Watch this video on the Metric System (just up to Celsius
temperature, a little more than the first 5 minutes): Metric System Film
Metric systemAnswer these questions in the Measurement Check-up doc:In what unit of measurement should we measure…1.The width of a coin?2.The depth of a swimming pool?3. The length of a pencil?4.The distance from Caracas to Maturin?5.The distance an ant travels in 30 seconds?
customary system• System came from England’s
Imperial system• Was once practical using
king’s measurements• Inch: unit of measure equal to
one twelfth of a foot• 12 in = 1 ft• Foot: unit of measurement
equal to 12 inches• Yard: unit of measure equal
to 3 feet• 1 yd = 3 ft• Mile: unit of measure equal to
5,280 ft• 1 mi = 5,280 ft
customary systemAnswer these questions in the Measurement Check-up doc:In what unit of measurement should we measure…1.The distance run in a marathon?2.The length of a soccer field?3.The dimensions of your bedroom?4.The length of your finger?5.The depth of a swimming pool?
Units of weight and mass
Not only are lengths different between the metric and customary system, but so are units of weight and mass.
When we talk about weight in the U.S., we use ounces, pounds, or tons. When we talk about mass, we use milligrams, grams, and kilos.
Mass and weight are 2 different measurements. Weight has to do with the pull of gravity on an object. Mass measures how much matter an object contains.
Weight can change, but mass never changes.
Units of weight and mass
Answer these questions in the Measurement Check-up doc:
1.What units of measurement are used to measure mass?2.What is the difference between weight and mass?3.Give 2 examples where weight changes.
Units of weight and mass
U.S. Customary Weights Metric Masses
1 ton = 2,000 pounds (lb) 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams (g)
1 pound = 16 ounces (oz) 1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams (mg)
Units of weight and mass
Answer these questions in the Measurement Check-up doc:In what unit of measurement should we measure…1.The weight of an elephant?2.The mass of Saturn?3.The weight of a bean?4.The mass of a cereal box?
Units of capacity Another way is which we use measurement is in talking about capacity, or volume. Again, there are different measurements in customary and metric capacities.
U.S. Customary Capacities Metric Capacities3 Teaspoons (tsp) = 1 tablespoon1 cup (c) = 8 fluid ounces (fl oz) 1 kiloliter (kL) = 1,000 liters (L)1 pint (pt) = 2 cups 1 liter = 1,000 milliliters (mL)1 quart (qt) = 2 pints1 gallon (gal) = 4 quarts
Units of capacity Answer these questions in the Measurement Check-up doc:
1.When might you use customary measurements of capacity?2.You have 2 quarts. How many pints is this?3.You’re adding milk to a pancake recipe. The recipe says add 2 gallons of milk. Is this correct? If not, what should it say?4.Do some research. About how many milliliters are in a fluid ounce?5.About how much water should you drink a day: 1 kL, 1 L, or 1 mL?
Reading a standard ruler
You have 2 choices of videos…
1.Print out handouts found here: Reading Inches and Measuring Inches2.Watch this video: Reading a Ruler (This video is geared towards 3rd grade so I apologize that he is talking to you as if you’re a little kid. But the video is easy to follow).3.OR go to this link which is a shorter video: Reading a Ruler24.Complete worksheets to be turned in when you get back to school.