SUBJECTS: Maths
YEARS: 3–4, 5–6
Did you know that in Australia we use a metric system for measurement?
See if you know the units of measurement for length, mass and volume. Find out what system the United States uses. You guessed it - they don't use the metric system! See how a mix up of these units can cause all kinds of mess ups.
Things to think about
- 1.Think about what units you would use to measure each one of these: the distance you can throw a tennis ball, the mass of a hammer and how much lemonade a glass holds. Give a reason for each choice. What would you use to measure each one?
- 2.Note the units of measurement we use in Australia for length, volume and mass. What are they? What system of measurement is used in the United States? What units do they use? Clarence the tortoise had a mass of 250kg. How much is this in pounds (lb.) Why didn't Carol Lewis' long jump record count?
- 3.Create a table showing the units of measurement for the metric system (SI) and the imperial system. Compare units for length, volume and mass. Convert your mass in kilograms to imperial units pounds (lb.) 1kg = 2.2 lb. Measure your height in centimetres and convert to feet and inches. 1cm = 0.39 inches. There are 12 inches in a foot (ft.)
- 4.Why was the metric system invented? Come up with your own measurement mess up examples. Include the measurement in both metric and imperial. Create a story line to go with it. Find out the number that the prefixes giga, mega, kilo, centi, milli and micro are equal to. Find an example of how these units are used to represent large and small numbers: gigalitre, kilometre, millilitre, micrometre.
Acknowledgements
Produced by ABC Splash in collaboration with Suitcase Murphy.
Production Date: 2014
Copyright
Metadata © Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Education Services Australia Ltd 2012 (except where otherwise indicated). Digital content © Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2012 (except where otherwise indicated).
Video © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). All images copyright their respective owners.
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