Project AMP Dr. Antonio R. Quesada – Director, Project AMP

Measuring Length In Metric Units

Activity One: Millimeters and Centimeters Team Member's names: Beth Collins, Polly Tucker, & Frank Margida

Goal: To discover the length of any object using a metric ruler.

*Remember that when using the metric system the units are based on 10. The distance from one mark to the next is 1 unit. The units for linear measure in the metric system are millimeter(mm), centimeter(cm), decimeter(dm), and meter(m). For instance, 10 mm(millimeters)= 1 cm,10 cm (centimeter)= 1 dm,10 dm (decimeter)= 1 m (meter), and100 cm= 1m.

1. Measure the length of your thumbnail. a. The length is the measurement from the bottom (base) of the nail to the finger tip (top). b. Place the beginning (edge next to 1cm mark) of the ruler even with the base of your thumbnail. c. Using a pencil, mark on the ruler even with the tip of your nail. d. Count the smallest units from the beginning of the ruler to the mark you made. Record the number of smallest units , number of mm . e. Count the larger units from the beginning of the ruler closest to the mark you made. Record the number of larger units , number of cm .

Which unit did you prefer to use? Explain.

2. Try this method again only measure the length of your big toe. a. Place the beginning of the ruler even with the base of your big toe. b. Using a pencil, mark on the ruler even with the tip of your toe. c. Count the smallest units from the beginning of the ruler to the mark you made. Record the number of smallest units , number of mm . d. Count the larger units from the beginning of the ruler closest to the mark you made. Record the number of larger units , number of cm Project AMP Dr. Antonio R. Quesada – Director, Project AMP

. Is it necessary to measure twice each time using different units? Explain.

Which unit did you prefer to use? Explain. Would there ever be a reason for mixing the units? Explain.

Look at your findings. Use the knowledge you have acquired, and explain how you would decide which unit to use when you measure different objects.

Activity Two: Millimeters or Centimeters Goal: To discover the length of any object and choose appropriate unit using a metric ruler.

1. Choose 8 objects in the room of varying sizes that will fit on the top of a desk. Try to choose 4 large and 4 small objects. 2. Make a data table listing the eight objects from smallest to largest. 3. Measure the objects twice, first in units of mm, and second in units of cm. 4. Record your data, which unit was best to use for each object. 5. Present your data to the class. a. List the object and its length in "best unit" measurements in the correct order from least to greatest. b. Find another team that has at least three objects in common with you and compare data. Do you agree with data on the object? Explain

Did you choose to express your data using the same units? Why or why not

Would you change you units based on the findings of another group? Why/Why not? What is the first step in the measurement process?

What should you be aware of?

What type of jobs would require exact measurement to perform correctly? Project AMP Dr. Antonio R. Quesada – Director, Project AMP

Write in your journal. Describe the process you would use teach an absent student today’s lesson.

Extension: A pane of glass in your bedroom window was broken by golf ball. Measure the perimeter of the window so that you may order the glass to replace it.