Metric System and Conversions 8 th Grade Science

Why the Metric System? In science class, we will be using the Metric System. The metric system is a system of measurement that is used by scientists all over the world. The metric system is simpler and easier to use and understand than traditional measurement systems Most countries only use the metric system. In the United States, we use the English or Standard measurement System.

Metric/S.I. Units Depending on what we are measuring, we will use different units Length: meter (m) Mass: gram (g) Temperature: Celsius (°C) or Kelvin (K) Time: second (s) Volume: cubic meter (m 3 ) for solids or liter (L) for liquids These are all called base units Data can be recorded quantitatively (numbers) or qualitatively (descriptions/observations)

Prefixes Denote (tells you) where the decimal is placed When you add a prefix, it changes the value of the number Kilo (K) = 1000 Hecta (H) = 100 Deca (D) = 10 Deci (d) = 0.1 (1/10) Centi (c) = 0.01 (1/100) Milli (m) = (1/1000)

Converting Between Metric Units Use the conversion staircase For each step moved up, move the decimal point the same number to the left For each step moved down, move the decimal point the same number to the right

Metric to Metric Conversion Practice 3 m 0.3 dkm 0.03 hm km Convert 3 meters to kilometers

Metric to Metric Conversion Practice 5 m 50 dm 500 cm 5000 mm Convert 5 meters to millimeters

Independent Practice Convert 5 meters to centimeters Convert milligrams to grams Convert 1,000 liters to deciliters Convert 30 kilograms to grams

English (Customary) to Metric Units Use conversion sheet

Independent Practice Convert 5 inches to centimeters Convert yards to meters Convert 1,000 pounds to kilograms Convert 30 gallons to liters

Works Cited PowerPoint Presentation modified with permission from Baker, G. (2013, June 13). Metric Mania [PowerPointslides]. Retrieved from Images Camelbak. (2013). Bottles. Retrieved from iRuler. (2013, September 26). Online ruler. Retrieved from iruler.netiruler.net Paine, Crystal. (2010, January 18). Free Gallon of milk with $100 grocery purchase. Retrieved from Wood, Monika. (2011, November 23). Meter Stick-Yard Stick_1A Retrieved from Meter%20Stick%20-%20Yard%20Stick_1A10.35.JPG