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Here you will learn about metric units of measurement. You will look at common units of measurement in the metric system of measurement and learn about their relative sizes.
Students will first learn about metric units of measurement as part of measurement and data in 4 th grade.
Metric units of measurement are the international system of units (SI units) and include the standard units of length (meter), mass (gram), capacity (liter) and time (second).
The metric system is based on powers of 10 (the decimal system). The metric prefixes along with the basic unit vocabulary help identify their standard unit and size.
The prefix βmilliβ means \cfrac{1}{1000} \, th.
For example,
A millimeter is \cfrac{1}{1000} \, th of a meter.
A milliliter is \cfrac{1}{1000} \, th of a liter.
The prefix βcentiβ means \cfrac{1}{100} \, th.
For example,
A centimeter is \cfrac{1}{100} \, th of a meter.
A centiliter is \cfrac{1}{100} \, th of a liter.
The prefix βdeci,β βdeca,β or βdekaβ means \cfrac{1}{10} \, th.
For example,
A decimeter is \cfrac{1}{10} \, th of a meter.
A decigram is \cfrac{1}{10} \, th of a gram.
The prefix βkiloβ means 1,000 times larger.
For example,
A kilometer is 1,000 times larger than a meter.
A kilogram is 1,000 times larger than a gram.
Since there are many different units for measuring, it is helpful to think about each unit in relation to something in the real world. Letβs look at some common units and their relative sizes.
One way to measure an object is length – the distance from one point to another. In the metric system, a meter is the base unit for length.
One way to measure an object is mass – the weight of an object. In the metric system, a gram is the base unit for mass.
Note: A tonne is also referred to as a metric ton, but is NOT the same as a customary ton (2,000 pounds ).
One way to measure an object is capacity – how much space something takes up. In the metric system, a liter is the base unit for capacity (also referred to as the base unit of volume).
One way to measure an event is time – the length of an event with a clear starting and ending moment. In the metric system, a second is the base unit for time.
Note: All of these time measurements are very small, and it can be harder to tell the difference between them on our own.
How does this relate to 4 th grade math?
In order to choose a metric unit of measurement:
Use this quiz to check your grade 4 to 5 studentsβ understanding of units of measurement. 10+ questions with answers covering a range of 4th and 5th grade units of measurement topics to identify areas of strength and support!
DOWNLOAD FREEUse this quiz to check your grade 4 to 5 studentsβ understanding of units of measurement. 10+ questions with answers covering a range of 4th and 5th grade units of measurement topics to identify areas of strength and support!
DOWNLOAD FREEWhat are the most appropriate units to measure the width of a hand-held calculator?
Width is a measurement of length, so you need to consider the measurement units based on the meter (m).
2Consider the size.
Thinking about the size of a hand-held calculator, a meter (about the length of a baseball bat) is too large, or a unit and millimeters (about the width of the tip of a pencil) are too small.
3Write down the most reasonable choice.
Centimeters (each about the width of a fingernail) is the most appropriate unit to measure the width of a hand-held calculator.
What are the most appropriate units to measure the distance between London and Paris?
Decide if the measurement is length, mass, capacity or time.
Distance is a measurement of length, so you need to consider the measurement units based on the meter (m).
Consider the size.
A meter is about the length from the tips of your fingers when you spread your arms out wide.
The distance from these two cities, which are not in the same country, is much greater than a meter (m).
Write down the most reasonable choice.
Kilometers (km) is the most appropriate unit to measure the distance between London and Paris.
What are the most appropriate units to measure the weight of a large dog?
Decide if the measurement is length, mass, capacity or time.
Weight is a measurement of mass, so you need to consider the measurement units based on the gram (g).
Consider the size.
A tonne (about the weight of a small car) is too big. A gram (about the weight of a penny) is too small.
Write down the most reasonable choice.
A kilogram (each about the weight of a pineapple) is the most appropriate unit of measurement for the weight of a large dog.
What are the most appropriate units to measure the weight of a pencil?
Decide if the measurement is length, mass, capacity or time.
Weight is a measurement of mass, so you need to consider the measurement units based on the gram (g).
Consider the size.
A kilogram (about the weight of a cantaloupe) is too big.
Write down the most reasonable choice.
A gram (each about the weight of a paper clip) is the most appropriate unit of measurement for the mass of a pencil.
What are the most appropriate units to measure the amount of tea in a tea cup?
Decide if the measurement is length, mass, capacity or time.
The amount of tea is a measurement of capacity, so you need to consider the measurement units based on the liter (l).
Consider the size.
A liter (about the amount in a quart of milk) is too large.
Write down the most reasonable choice.
Milliliters (each about 1 drop of water) is the most appropriate unit of measurement for the capacity of a tea cup.
What are the most appropriate units to measure the amount of water in a pond?
Decide if the measurement is length, mass, capacity or time.
The amount of water is a measurement of capacity, so you need to consider the measurement units based on the liter (l).
Consider the size.
A milliliter (about 1 drop of water) is too small.
Write down the most reasonable choice.
Liters (each about the amount of 4 cans of soda) is the most appropriate unit of measurement for the capacity of a pond.
1) Choose the most reasonable metric unit to measure:
The height of a building
meters
kilograms
inches
millimeters
You need a unit for length – so kilograms can be ruled out.
You need a metric unit – so inches can be ruled out.
A building is large, and a millimeter is about the thickness of 10 sheets of paper, so it is too small.
A meter is about the length of a guitar. Meters is the most reasonable unit to measure the height of a building.
2) Choose the most reasonable metric unit to measure:
The weight of a can of beans
kilograms
ounces
milliliters
grams
You need a unit for mass – so milliliters can be ruled out.
You need a metric unit – so ounces can be ruled out.
A kilogram is about the weight of 3 chapter books, so it is too large.
A gram is about the weight of a penny. Grams is the most reasonable unit to measure the weight of a can of beans.
3) Choose the most reasonable metric unit to measure:
The thickness of a chapter book
meters
millimeters
yards
milliliters
You need a unit for length – so milliliters can be ruled out.
You need a metric unit – so yards can be ruled out.
A meter is about the length of a yard stick, so it is too large.
A millimeter is about the thickness of an ID card. Millimeters is the most reasonable unit to measure the thickness of a chapter book.
4) Choose the most reasonable metric unit to measure:
The volume of a medicine dropper
kilograms
pints
milliliters
liters
You need a unit for capacity (volume) – so kilograms can be ruled out.
You need a metric unit – so pints can be ruled out.
A liter is about the amount in a large soda bottle, so it is too large.
A milliliter is about the amount in a drop of water. Millimeters is the most reasonable unit to measure the volume of a medicine dropper.
5) Choose the most reasonable metric unit to measure:
The weight of a sheep
grams
kilograms
pounds
centimeters
You need a unit for mass – so centimeters can be ruled out.
You need a metric unit – so pounds can be ruled out.
A gram is about the weight of a feather, so that is too small.
A kilogram is about the weight of a bunch of bananas. Kilograms is the most reasonable unit to measure the weight of a sheep.
6) Choose the most reasonable metric unit to measure:
The volume of a lake
kilometers
liters
milliliters
gallons
You need a unit for capacity – so kilometers can be ruled out.
You need a metric unit – so gallons can be ruled out.
A milliliter is about the amount in a drop of water.
A liter is about the amount of shampoo in a full bottle. Liter is the most reasonable unit to measure the volume of a lake.
Yes, there are defined conversions that allow you to move between the two.
Besides the units mentioned on this page, there are additional basic units in the International System of Units. Electric currents are measured by amperes. Thermodynamic temperature is measured in kelvin. Luminous intensity is measured in candela. And moles are used to measure the amount of substance.
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