Metric System Notes - Alvaradoschool

Metric SystemInternational System ofMeasurement, MetricConversions, Length, Mass,Volume, Tools of Science

The Basicsn Scientists all over the world use theInternational System of Measurement.n Since scientists everywhere use the samemeasurements, it helps eliminateconfusion when scientists from differentplaces share their data.

Metric Unit Conversionn The metric system is based on multiples of10. Prefixes are used to indicate the unit.n king henry Died by drinking chocolate milkis a mnemonic to help remember the orderof metric system.

Metric Unit Conversionsn To convert to a smaller unit, move thedecimal point to the right. To convert to alarger unit, move the decimal to the left.n Do the Practice Problems

Using a Metric RulerAlways use the centimeter side of theruler.n There are 30 centimeters on a standardmetric ruler.n Each centimeter is divided into 10 smallerparts called millimeters.n

Using a Triple Beam Balancen Always start with the value at zero.n To find the correct mass, move theweights until the pointer is flat.

Using a Triple Beam Balancen To calculate the mass, add all threebeams together. Be sure to line up thedecimals!n Triple Beam Balances typically measureusing the unit of grams.

Using a Graduated CylinderGraduated cylinders typically measureusing the unit of milliliters.n Liquid molecules “stick” to the side of agraduated cylinder causing the liquid tomake a “dip” called the meniscus.n To correctly read the volume, look at thebottom part of the meniscus.n

Reading the MeniscusVolume is 43 ml

SCIENCE TOOLSTo become a successful scientists,we must be able to identify and usescientific instruments or tools.n These tools are for collecting data,taking measurements, andrecording observations.n Scientists use a variety of tools to doinvestigations.n

Computern An electronic tool thatis used to help scientists Completeresearch Analyze results of anexperiment Graph data Communicate results toother scientists

Calculatorsn An electronicdevice for solvingmathematicsproblems

Microscopen n n ‘micro’ means smallwhile ‘scope’ means toseeMagnifies smallerobjectsUtilizes slides that areused by scientists to viewthin sections of objectsor cells

Telescopen n A tool used to seeobjects in the sky.It magnifies ormakes objects inthe sky larger.

Meter Stickn n A meter tool that isused to measuredistance and thelength of objects.Can measure an objectusing decimeters,centimeters, ormillimeters

Thermometern n n A tool used tomeasuretemperature.It measures thetemperature of airand most liquids.The Greek prefix“therm” means“heat”.

Stopwatchn n A tool used tomeasure time.Measures time inseconds (s).

Balancen n A tool used tomeasure the massof an object.A balance tells theamount of matteran object contains.

Test Tuben n n Is open at one endand closed at theother.It is cylindrical inshape.Hold fluids neededin a labexperiment

Graduated CylinderIs used to measurethe volume of aliquid.n The volume is readby reading thebottom of themeniscus.n

Spring Scalen Can be used tomeasure the massof an object Hasa spring at oneend and a hook onthe other. The object is hungfrom the hook.

May 03, 2010 · Metric Unit Conversion ! The metric system is based on multiples of 10. Prefixes are used to indicate the unit. ! king henry Died by drinking chocolate milk is a mnemonic to help remember the order of metric system. Metric Unit Conversions ! To convert to a smaller unit, move the decimal .