1. II. THE METRIC SYSTEM

2. A. WHY DO WE USE THE METRIC SYSTEM?
1. Almost all other countries are using the metric system.
2. Easy to convert between different units, based on the number 10.
3.Scientists need a universal way to communicate data (SI Units).

3. B. Metric Units 1. Mass (how much an object weighs) = grams (g)
2. Volume (the amount of space an object occupies) = liters (L)
3. Length (distance from one point to another) = meter (m)
4. Time (duration of an event) = seconds (sec)

4. Let’s look at mass, volume & length more closely!

5. Measuring Liquid Volumes with a Graduated Cylinder
10 ml Graduated Cylinder
100 ml Graduated cylinder
6.79
Volume=_________ml
52.7
Volume=_________ml
25 ml Graduated cylinder
Volume=__________ml
11.5

6. 1) What is the mass of the object being weighed?_______________g 79.3g
June 2000
Measuring Mass
1) What is the mass of the object being weighed?_______________g
79.3g

7. Measuring Mass
2) What is the mass of the object being weighed?____________g
25.4

8. The longer lines on the metric ruler are called…
centimeters

9. The shorter lines on the metric ruler are called…
millimeters

10. Checkpoint One centimeter is divided into how many millimeters?
10 millimeters (mm)

11. Figure 2: Calculating: Measure the turtle in figure 2 from the rear of its shell to the tip of its nose. Record its length in both centimeters and millimeters.
10.5 cm
105 mm

12. C. THE METRIC CONVERSION CHART (STAIRCASE METHOD)
To convert to a smaller unit, move
decimal point to the right or
multiply.
Kilo
1000
units
Hecto
100
units
Deca 10
units
Basic
Unit
meter
liter
gram
Deci
0.1
units
Centi
0.01
units
Milli
0.001
units
To convert to a larger unit, move
decimal point to the left or divide

13. TRY THIS USING THE STAIRCASE METHOD
1000 mg = ______ g
Step 1: Determine if you are going to go up or down the ladder.
Step 2: Determine how many steps there are from milligrams to
grams.
Step 3: Move the decimal point the amount of places that was
determined in steps 1 & 2.

14. TRY THIS USING THE STAIRCASE METHOD
1000 mg = ______ g 1
Step 1: Determine if you are going to go up or down the ladder.
Step 2: Determine how many steps there are from milligrams to
grams.
Step 3: Move the decimal point the amount of places that was
determined in steps 1 & 2.

15. TRY THIS USING THE STAIRCASE METHOD
.15 L = __________ ml

16. TRY THIS USING THE STAIRCASE METHOD
.15 L = __________ ml
150

17. TRY THIS USING THE STAIRCASE METHOD
16.7 cm = __________ hm

18. TRY THIS USING THE STAIRCASE METHOD
16.7 cm = hm

19. #1: Metric Measurement Lab
Object
Paperclip g mg kg
Penny
Shoe
Finger nail cm mm m
Height
Stride (one)
Pop can ml l kl
Ice tray (one cube)
Dixie cup
mass
length
volume

20. Conclusion Questions:
Why is it important that all scientists use similar units? Give two reasons why is the metric system the best system for use in science.
Describe the process of measuring volume with a graduated cylinder (be specific).
I don’t understand how to use the “staircase method.” Explain (in detail) how the “staircase method” works, provide an example.