Move that decimal point! Metric Conversions Move that decimal point!

Metric System The metric system is the system of measurement used in science investigations - use in all science fields - an international system - easy to convert!

Metric Conversions Know your bases! Gram: base unit for mass Liter: base unit for volume Meter: base unit for length

Metric Conversions When you convert your units, you follow the conversion chart!

For example, say you want to convert grams (your base unit) into milligrams! Start in the middle – where grams is… Then….count how many ‘stairs’ you jump down  3 Then…move your decimal point 3 spaces too! And you’re DONE!

For example…. How many milligrams are in 15 grams?  15.0 grams  Move three spaces on the chart to get to milligrams  Now move your decimal point 3 times too (add zeros if you have to) What did you get? 15000 milligrams!

Okay – try this one! How many hectograms make up 15 grams?  Count how many steps it is to hecto- (2)  Now move your decimal point 2 times to the left too! What did you get? .15 hg!

A little more practice… Convert… 16 decigrams = ________ milligrams 1.79 kilometers = ________ meters 5.89 hectometers = ________ centimeters

A Good Way to Remember! What happens if you aren’t given the conversion chart??? Use this sentence to remember the order: King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk On your notes, fill in what each letter stands for!