2. Metric Conversions! 5 th Grade Mathematics Michelle Harris Let’s get started

3. The Metric Stairs Continue

4. Helpful Steps! 1. Locate the decimal point. (the decimal point in the example is shown in red) 4.2 grams = _____milligrams Step 2

5. 2. Decide which measurement out of the two given to you is larger. 4.2 grams = ______milligrams grams > milligrams Step 3

6. 3. Then, using the information from step 2, decide whether to move right or left on the chart from earlier. 4.2 grams = ______milligrams We know we are going from a larger measurement, grams, to a smaller one, milligrams, this means we move to the right. Step 4 Return to the stairs.

7. 4. Using the chart, decide how many steps to the left or right you will be taking on the metric stairs. 4.2 grams = ______milligrams grams  decigrams  centigrams  milligrams Because we start at grams, the first step would be to decigrams. Then two other steps after that gives us three total steps to the right. Step 5 Return to the stairs

8. 5. Lastly, take the decimal point and move it in the direction you decided for the amount of steps you have counted. 4.2 grams = 4,200 milligrams 4.2  42. (one)  420. (two)  4,200.(three) Try it for yourself !

9. Question 1 1. Use a separate sheet of paper to convert: 3 kilograms = _____ grams.03 grams 3 grams30 grams 3,000 grams

10. Move on to question 2!

11. Try again!

12. Question 2 2. Use a separate sheet of paper to convert: 8,200 centimeters= ____ meters 82 meters.082 meters 8.2 meters 820 meters

13. Start again! References

14. Try again!

15. References I use this original step method with my tutoring students. They are steps I came up with myself to help them better understand the metric system. Return to the beginning.