Loading...

Let’s Learn!

Learn about the metric system.

Goal:

Goal:

Think About It!

Goal: What is the metric system?

The icicles are different sizes. We can measure height and length using the metric system. The metric system is a unit of measurement that uses centimeters and meters. We can use rulers and meter sticks to measure in centimeters and meters. Click the images below to see what each tool is used to measure. Then, click through the slides to learn how to use each measuring tool.

This icicle is very small. Let’s use a ruler to measure it in centimeters.

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
icicle with a ruler next to it to measure its height

Click image to enlarge

Rulers are made up of 30 centimeters.

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
ruler with a centimeter labeled

Click image to enlarge

The word “centimeters” can also be written as “cm.”

We can measure the icicle by lining up 0 cm on the ruler with the beginning of the icicle.

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Icicle with a ruler next to it to measure its height. Line from top of icicle to 0 cm. on the ruler.

Click image to enlarge

How long is the icicle?

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Icicle with a ruler next to it to measure its height. Line from top of icicle to 0 cm. on the ruler. Line from the bottom of the icicle to the ruler.

Click image to enlarge

Meter sticks are helpful to use when measuring large objects, like this icicle.

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Icicle with a meter stick next to it to measure its height.

Click image to enlarge

Meter sticks are a little more than three times as big as a ruler. They are made up of 100 centimeters.

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Meter stick with a meter labeled

Click image to enlarge

“Meter” can also be written as “m.”

We can measure the icicle by lining up 0 cm on the ruler with the beginning of the icicle. This icicle is longer than the meter stick, so let’s add another meter stick below it.

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Icicle with a meter stick next to it to measure its height. Line from top of icicle to 0 cm. on the meter stick.

Click image to enlarge

How long is the icicle?

ALTTEXT: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Icicle with a meter stick next to it to measure its height. Line from top of icicle to 0 cm. on the meter stick. Line from bottom of icicle to the meter stick.

Click image to enlarge