Measurement Getting Ready for Science Labs

Measuring Length Length and distance are measured in millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), meters (m), or kilometers (km). 1 meter is slightly larger than 1 yard 1 inch equals about 2 1/2 centimeters 1 kilometer equals about 6/10 of a mile

Millimeters (mm) 1 mm = 0.1 cm Your ruler is marked in centimeters with the tiny lines between them indicating millimeters. The thickness of a dime is 1 mm.

Centimeters (cm) 1 cm = 10 mm In the science lab, you will be measuring in this unit most often. Be aware that not all rulers are the same. Look for the “0” before measuring! The width of a fingernail is about 1 cm.

Meters (m) 1 m = 100 cm The height from the floor to your average door handle is just under 1 m. 400 m is the distance around a track.

Kilometers (km) 1 km = 1000 m A little over 2 laps around an outdoor track is about 1 km.

Measuring Volume Volume is measuring in milliliters (mL) and liters (L). Always read the measurement from the bottom of the meniscus. About 30 mL = 1 fl oz 1 liter is slightly larger than 1 quart

Milliliters (mL) and Liters (L) 1 mL = about 4 drops of liquid 1 L = half a 2-liter bottle of soda

Measuring Mass Mass is measured in milligrams (mg), grams (g), and kilograms (kg). We won’t use milligrams in class, but it can be seen listed on medicine bottles. About 28 grams equals 1 ounce. 1 kilogram equals a little over 2 pounds.

Grams (g) 1 g = kg The mass of 1 paperclip is about equal to 1 gram. Always make sure before using any scale or balance that you “zero” it out first!

Kilograms (kg) 1 kg = 1000 g The mass of about 100 pennies will equal 1 kg.

Measuring Temperature Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C). Water freezes at 0°C and at 32°F. Water boils at 100°C and at 212°F. Always make sure you are reading on the Celsius side of the thermometer.