The Metric System Guide
Studying for the Unit Test? Click below for Resources supplemented from the classroom text:
http://www.phschool.com/webcodes10/index.cfm?wcprefix=cgd&wcsuffix=6021&fuseaction=home.gotoWebCode&x=10&y=8
Students spent the 1st semester learning all about the Metric System. This is a prerequisite for Middle School Science. Here is an outline of what we learned:
Metric System: a system of measurement based on the number 10.
Modern scientists use a version of the metric system called the International System of Units, abbreviated as SI.
Common SI Prefixes:
Kilo- means 1,000
Centi- means .01 (one hundredth)
Milli- means .001 (one thousandth)
Modern scientists use a version of the metric system called the International System of Units, abbreviated as SI.
Common SI Prefixes:
Kilo- means 1,000
Centi- means .01 (one hundredth)
Milli- means .001 (one thousandth)
I. Length
MM & CM is the way to go!
Definition: The DISTANCE from one point to another
Basic Unit of Length in the SI System is the Meter (m)
Common tool used to measure length is the Metric Ruler.
II. Mass
Balance Scale Practice!
Definition: A measure of the amount of matter an object CONTAINS.
Basic Unit of Mass in the SI System is the Kilogram (kg). Smaller objects will use the Gram (g).
Common tool used to measure mass is the balance scale or triple-beam balance.
Basic Unit of Mass in the SI System is the Kilogram (kg). Smaller objects will use the Gram (g).
Common tool used to measure mass is the balance scale or triple-beam balance.
III. Volume
Students demonstrate proper use of the GC
Definition: The amount of SPACE an object takes up.
Volume of Liquids:
Scientists commonly use a unit known as the liter (L) to measure the volume of a liquid.
Scientists commonly use a graduated cylinder to measure liquid volume. The graduated cylinder is marked off in 1-millimeter segments. The surface of the water in the graduated cylinder is curved. The curve is called the meniscus. To determine the volume of water, you should read the milliliter marking at the bottom of the curve.
Volume of Liquids:
Scientists commonly use a unit known as the liter (L) to measure the volume of a liquid.
Scientists commonly use a graduated cylinder to measure liquid volume. The graduated cylinder is marked off in 1-millimeter segments. The surface of the water in the graduated cylinder is curved. The curve is called the meniscus. To determine the volume of water, you should read the milliliter marking at the bottom of the curve.
Volume of Rectangular Solids: To find the volume of a rectangular object, like a video tape, you want to use the cubic centimeter (cm3). For larger volumes, scientists use the SI unit known as the cubic meter (m3). Calculate volume by conducting this formula:
V = Length x Width x Height.
Volume of Irregular Solids:
If you want to find the volume of an irregular shape object, like a rock, you can immerse the object in water, and measure how much the water level rises.
In lab, we found the volume of irregular objects like a paper clip, a die, a game piece...Great job, class!
V = Length x Width x Height.
Volume of Irregular Solids:
If you want to find the volume of an irregular shape object, like a rock, you can immerse the object in water, and measure how much the water level rises.
In lab, we found the volume of irregular objects like a paper clip, a die, a game piece...Great job, class!
IV. Density
Students looked at the density of various liquids
Definition: A measure of HOW MUCH MASS is contained IN a given VOLUME.
To find the density of an object: Density = Mass / Volume
Two common units of density are: g/cm3 and g/mL. Because we use grams most of the time in Science to measure mass, look to see what you use to measure your volume.
To find the density of an object: Density = Mass / Volume
Two common units of density are: g/cm3 and g/mL. Because we use grams most of the time in Science to measure mass, look to see what you use to measure your volume.
V. Time & Temperature
Time: Basic unit in the SI system to measure time is the second (s).
Temperature: Basic unit in the SI system to measure temperature is the kelvin (k). Scientists commonly will use the celsius (C).
Absolute Zero is what scientists consider the coldest possible temperature, which is equal to 0 K or -273 C.
Temperature: Basic unit in the SI system to measure temperature is the kelvin (k). Scientists commonly will use the celsius (C).
Absolute Zero is what scientists consider the coldest possible temperature, which is equal to 0 K or -273 C.
Reference: Kemp, Andrew. The Nature of Science and Technology. Boston: Pearson, 2009. 44-55. Print.