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The Metric System
The first major topic we will be covering this year is the Metric System. Although it is not widely used in the United States, the metric system is extremely important in the fields of science, medicine, and even sports. When communicating with people from around the world, it's important that we use the metric system so we are all speaking the same numerical language. Think about it, how are distances measured in the Olympics? In feet or in meters? The truth is, America will probably never switch fully to the Metric System even though it is easier to use because it would cost too much money. However, we can still dream. This video was posted to YouTube on March 31st, 2009 as an April Fool's Joke!
You can find all of the videos I use in class by watching my Metric System Playlist on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCE4AF103FF4EC9FE
Introduction to the Metric System
Although slightly outdated, this video shows why we started measuring things and why the metric system is so easy to use. Think about these questions while watching:
- Why do you think we measure things?
- What were the problems with ancient measuring systems?
- What are the problems with our standard measurement systems?
- What is the metric system based on?
Learning Goals
For each unit there will be a set of learning goals that will help you identify what the "big ideas" are that you need to learn. These are the topics and skills you will need to practice before taking a quiz or test.
Metric System Learning Goal #1 - I understand the prefixes of the metric system and can apply their meanings to make conversions within the Metric System.
A prefix is something that goes in front of a base word. It usually changes what the word means. For example, if you add the prefix "dis" to the base world "appear", you get the word "disappear" which means something very different than the word "appear" on its own. There are a few prefixes in the metric system that tell you the meaning of the word. See the chart below.
Homework: Metric Length Due 9/13
metric_length.doc | |
File Size: | 28 kb |
File Type: | doc |
How to Make Metric System Conversions: Video
Metric System Learning Goal #2: I can measure the length, mass, volume, and calculate the density of various objects using the metric system.
For this learning goal, students should be able to use the ruler, triple-beam balance, and a graduated cylinder to measure the length, mass, and volume of various objects. This music video explains how we use meters, liters, and grams to measure each.
Students should also be able to use the following formula to calculate the density of objects:
Density = Mass / Volume
This music video explains what density is and how to calculate it!
Density = Mass / Volume
This music video explains what density is and how to calculate it!
You can practice calculating the density of objects by following this link here: http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078617006/student_view0/unit1/chapter2/math_practice.html