Introduction to Metric System

The Metric System

How to measure with precision!

18 walruses could equal a number of different weights!! And how much does a walrus weigh??

​

Using different standards in measurement leads to inaccurate results!!

THE METRIC SYSTEM measures length, volume (liquid) and mass (weight).

The Meter is used to measure length or distance.

​A meter is a little longer than a yard. A meter is about 39.3 inches and a yard is 36 inches.

The Liter is used to measure volume .

​One Liter can be seen in a bottle of Aquafina. (check to make sure it isn't an extra small or extra large bottle) One Liter is equal to about 4 cups of liquid.

The Gram is used to measure weight.

​A small paperclip, a sugar packet or a raisin can weigh 1 gram. 1000 of those will give you a kilogram.

The Metric System is based on the number 10 because we have 10 fingers.

​Our number system works in a base of 10. Then we start over again. 10, 11, 12...... 20, 21, 22........30, 31, 32.........40, 41, 42

A prefix is the beginning part of a word. In the Metric System it tells you how many of that unit you have.

Notice they are all divisible by 10!

Kilo means 1000 of a unit. Think large!

Kilometer (km) = 1000 meters

Kiloliter (kL) = 1000 liters

Kilogram (kg) = 1000 grams

Milli means 1/1000th of a unit. Think tiny!

Millimeter (mm) = 1/1000th of a meter

Milliliter (mL) = 1/1000th of a liter

Milligram (mg) = 1/1000th of a gram

Multiple Choice

If I wanted to measure the distance from my home to my work I would use.....

• Kilometers

• Meters

• Centimeters

• Millimeters

Multiple Choice

If I wanted to measure how much water I will drink I would use.....

• Kiloliters

• centiliters

• milliliters

• liters

Multiple Choice

If I wanted to measure the weight of a bag of flour I would use....

• grams

• kilograms

• milligrams

• centigrams

Multiple Select

What do we use to measure weight?

• Meter

• Liter

• Gram

Multiple Select

What unit do we use to measure volume?

• Meter

• Liter

• Gram

Multiple Select

What unit do we use to measure length or distance?

• Meter

• Liter

• Gram

You will need to understand the metric system if you plan on working in a science or medical field. You'll also need the metric system if you ever want to travel outside of the United States!

Knowing the metric system will make you able to administer medication, take vital signs or convert medicine dosages.

The metric system is an absolute must in the health, science and medical fields!

​YOU GOT THIS!!!!