Introduction to Metric Units of Measurement
In the metric measurement system length, capacity, and mass are measured.
units of length: Kilometer, hectometer, dekameter, meter, decimeter, centimeter, and millimeter
units of capacity: Milliliter, liter, and kiloliter
units of mass: Milligrams, grams, kilograms, and metric ton
Review: Why convert units of measurement? It is necessary to convert various units of measurement when a specific unit (other than its current unit) is desired. There are several situations in which someone may need to convert units of measurement. Here are some examples.
- cooking or baking
- buying food at a grocery store
- installing doors and windows
- building a house
- tracking distance from one place to another
- measuring body height
- weighing body
What do you know about metric units of measurement? How do measurements of length, capacity, and mass play a role in your life? Test your knowledge in these activities.
1. Match each unit with a metric system of measurement.
Length 1.___________________ 2.___________________ 3.___________________
Capacity 1.___________________ 2.___________________ 3.___________________
Mass 1.___________________ 2.___________________ 3.___________________
2. Now, match each object to a metric unit of measurement.
Length 1._____________________ 2._____________________
Capacity 1.__________________ 2._____________________
Mass 1.______________________ 2._____________________
3. Often times, objects can be measured in more than one measurement system. For example, the edges of a dictionary can be measured in length. A dictionary can also be weighed in mass. Can you think of another example in which an object can be measured in more than one form?
4. How do measurements of length, capacity, and mass play a role in your life?
In unit 1, you explored customary units of measurement. Metric units of measurements are very different. Why do you think you might choose one system of measurement over the other? How does this relate to situations you may encounter?
Throughout this unit, you will learn about the metric system. Refer to these three objects throughout the unit.
1. a christmas tree 2. a can of soup 3. a football