The Metric System

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The Metric System
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I. Why use it?

1. It is based on decimals rather than fractions and
   is therefore easier to convert between units.
2. Example 1 meter 100 centimeters 1000
   millimeters
3. It is based on scientific measurements
4. Example at 0 degrees Celsius water freezes and at
   100 degrees Celsius water boils.
5. Every country in the world has officially adopted
   it except for 3.

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Only 3 countries dont use the metric
system Liberia, Myanmar The United States
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II. Length

• Length is the distance between two points.
• It is measured with a meter stick or metric
  ruler.
• It is measured in centimeters, meters and
  kilometers.
• There are 100 centimeters in a meter.
• There are 1000 meters in a kilometer.

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III. Using A Meter Stick

1. Step 1. Measure distances to the closest
   centimeter.
2. Step 2. Count the number of parts of a
   centimeter. This gives you your decimal place.
   There are 10 parts of a centimeter on your meter
   stick these are millimeters.

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IV. Volume

1. Volume is the amount of space something takes up.
2. You use a graduated cylinder to measure volume of
   an irregular object and a metric ruler to measure
   the volume of a geometric shape.
3. Volume is measured in milliliters, liters and
   cubic centimeters (cm3)

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V. Using a Graduated Cylinder

1. Step 1. Fill a graduated cylinder half full with
   water.
2. Step 2. Read how much water is in it.
3. Step 3. Add your irregular object.
4. Step 4. Read the new volume level.
5. Step 5. Subtract your starting volume from your
   ending volume. This is the volume of the object.

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VI. Mass

1. Mass is the amount of matter in an object.
2. Mass is measured with a triple-beam balance.
3. The units for mass are milligrams, grams and
   kilograms.
4. Mass is different than weight. Weight changes
   based on gravity, so it changes if you change
   planets.

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VII. Measuring Mass

1. Step 1. Set your balance to zero and adjust until
   it is perfect.
2. Step 2. Place your object on the balance.
3. Step 3. Start with the 100s, and work your way
   down to the 1s until you are balanced again.
   This is your mass.

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VIII. Temperature

1. Temperature is a measurement of how hot or cold
   something is.
2. Temperature is measured with a thermometer.
3. It is measured in degrees Celsius or in higher
   level science classes Kelvin's.
4. To use a thermometer place it where you want to
   measure the temp. then read the thermometer. Its
   that easy.