1. Using Metric Units of Length
Envision 2008

2. 1 millimeter (mm) is about the thickness of a dime.

3. 1 centimeter = 10 millimeters
One centimeter is about the length of an eraser on a pencil.
about 1 centimeter

4. 1 decimeter = 10 centimeters
One decimeter is about as long as your palm across.
about 1 decimeter

5. 1 meter = 1 decimeter = 100 centimeters
1 meter is about the length of a snake.

6. One kilometer = 1,000 meters
One kilometer is about the length of 4 city blocks.

7. Do you know HOW?
Choose the most appropriate unit to measure the length of each.
millimeter centimeter decimeter meter
kilometer
height of a house
length of a cat
width of a sunflower seed
distance traveled by plane

8. Do you UNDERSTAND?
How wide is your textbook to the nearest centimeter? Explain to your shoulder partner how you measured.
Jodi wants to measure the width of a narrow ribbon she is using to tie around a pinecone. Which metric unit should she use? Explain.

9. Independent Practice
In your journal, write the most appropriate unit to measure with:
millimeter centimeter decimeter meter
kilometer
length of a shoe
height of a tree
width of a strand of yarn

10. Independent Practice
Using the items on your table, measure the objects to the nearest inch. Record your findings in your journal.
pencil
piece of ribbon
library book

11. Writing to Explain
Mrs. Roberts measured the height of her front door to cover it in material. She wrote down 2, but forgot to write the units. Which metric unit of measure did she most likely use?

12. Apply it!
Mrs. Van Gorp wanted to know how many centimeters were in 2 meters, how could she find out?
Mr. Chaler wanted to know how many meters were in a 5 kilometer race. How could he find out?

13. Apply it!
Mrs. Roberts wants to know how many decimeters are in a meter, how could she find out?
Mrs. Barrows wants to know how many centimeters are in a meter, how could she find out?