THE METRIC SYSTEM

Organize your thoughts!

Measurement

Length

Mass

Volume

Units of Measurement

A known amount in measurement is called a unit

Examples of units: These units DID NOT EXIST thousands of

years ago… Ex: Egyptians used the cubit (length from

elbow to fingertip) Why does this not work well?

Systems of Measurement Customary system: the system that the

United States uses: Units include:

It is difficult to convert because the units aren’t related to each other

Metric System: most common system in the world. Units Include:

It is easier to use and convert

To convert….

Centimeters to inches, multiply by .3937 Centimeters to feet, multiply by 0.03281 Feet to meters, multiply by 0.3048 Miles to kilometers, multiply by 1.6093 Kilometers to miles, multiply by 0.6214

Practice

15 cm = __________________inches 67 km = __________________ miles 14.5 inches =______________cm 180.3 meters = __________________feet

Competing in World Markets

We live in a metric world where all but a few countries use the metric system.

Most people in the United States use the customary system of measurement.

Some businesses, however, use metric measurements for their products.

Many countries do not want to buy U.S. products that are not made to metric sizes.

Today English is the worldwide language of business. The metric system is the world’s common language of measurement.

Connect!

Step 1 Pretend that you are making a product, such as a computer workstation or an entertainment center. You want to sell this product throughout the world.

Connect…

Step 2 Draw a picture of your product.Write a description of your product, including measurements. Use items in your home or visit a local store to get approximate measurements.

Create!

Step 3: Design a sales brochure or poster describing your product. Be sure to include the measurements of your product. Use customary units for your customers in the United States. Use metric units for your customers in other countries.