Science 5.1 B Measurement

The Metric System Scientists use the Metric System as a Standard Unit of Measurement ( S.I. ) The reason they use the Metric System is so that every scientist around the world uses the same measurement.

Distance Distance is how long, wide, short, deep, round, close or far away something is. It is the distance between two points. Scientists use Kilometers, Meters, Centimeters and Millimeters to measure distance.

Units of Distance A kilometer is used to measure large distances. It is similar to a mile. A meter is used to measure common distances, like how tall a person is. A centimeter is used to measure smaller distances. It is like an inch. A millimeter is used to measure very small distances, like a fraction.

Let’s try it out! What would you use to measure: The height of a tree The circumference of a glass The length of a beetle The distance between South Hill and Totaro Elementary school.

How to measure accurately Look at this image

Units You have a small ruler. How many MILLIMETERS are in one CENTIMETER? Using your ruler, measure the distance of: Your pencil length in Millimeters Your binder in Centimeters Your pencil diameter in Millimeters The width of your desk in Centimeters

There are… 10 Millimeters in one Centimeter. 100 Centimeters in one Meter. 1000 Meters in one Kilometer. Now let’s see if you can match the right unit of measurement with the object.

Practice Match the right unit of distance with the picture. Write your answer on a piece of paper. Number your paper 1 – 4. Make sure your name is on it!

1. 2.

3. 4.

Final notes Remember, when scientists want to measure the length, width, height, circumference or distance between points, the use METRIC units of distance. YOUR job is to know the right unit to use!