Math: Practice Metric Conversion!
Hello Everyone!
Earlier this week, as part of our ongoing work on our math unit Math Makes It Work, we continued discussions about the metric system of measurement.
Here are some things we talked about:
- In the metric system, we have bases which are liters, meters, and grams.
- In front of each of the bases, we can put prefixes that tell us how many of the base is involved in the measurement. These are: kilo-, hecto-, deca-/deka-, deci-, centi-, and milli-
- We can use a set of stairs (going from upstairs to downstairs in a left to right fashion) to convert between the different units of measurement in the metric system. To remember the stairs, you could make up a phrase, such as “Kangaroos Help Dingos Because Dingos Can’t Multiply”
- The B stands for the base unit of measurement. Always stay in the same base when converting using the stairs.
- You can convert measurements by putting them on the stairs in the right unit, and then multiplying or dividing.
- If you move down the stairs, each stair means multiplying by 10 and moving the decimal one space to the right. If there isn’t a number, add zeros.
- If you move up the stairs, each stair means dividing by 10 and moving the decimal one space to the left. If there isn’t a number, add zeros.
Want some more practice?
Khan Academy Conversion of Units Practice
IXL Compare and Convert Units Grade 4/5 Level
IXL Compare and Convert Units Grade 6 Level
IXL Compare and Convert Units Grade 8 Level
University of Waterloo Math Frog Metrics
More advanced Metric Units Using Notation
More advanced Matthew Metrics Gum Parlour
Metric Card Game (which we will adapt and play in class)
Other Fun Games: (Do you have any to recommend? Tell Ms. D!)
Sheppard Software Measurement Activities
Read How To Part on this one — Death to Decimals Game