How to Teach the Metric System to Children

The metric system is used around the world. For students to compete in a global society, it is importantthat they understand and are comfortable using the metric systems of measurement. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics takes the position that schools should provide students with rich experiences in working with both the metric and the customary systems of measurement while developing their ability to solve problems in either system. Create a wide variety of lessons that expose students to the metric system.

Instructions

1

Instruct students on the basic vocabulary and prefixes of the metric system. Create a chart for them to tape to their desks or place in folders for assistance. Create a song or use an available one to make students knowledgeable about the prefixes.

2

Measure items using metric lengths. Create a lab where students have to measure various items using millimeters, centimeters and meters.

3

Take a kilometer walk, so students can physically understand what a kilometer is. If possible, create an interdisciplinary unit with the physical education teacher where students walk/run a kilometer.

4

Provide students with scenarios, and have them tell you how the item would be measuredin millimeters, centimeters, meters or kilometers. For example, how would the length of a book, the classroom, a small eraser, the cabinet, the road and the schools property each be measured. Then have students estimate the lengths of each using a metric measurement. Compare and take actual measurements.

5

Complete the same process with units of weightmilligrams, grams and kilograms. Use a triple beam balance and a metric scale to have students weigh a variety of objects using the metric system. Create scenarios to practice identifying the correct weight measurement to be used and estimation of metric weights.

6

Practice using metric volume measurements of milliliters and liters. Use graduated cylinders to measure various liquids. Have students practice predication and estimation skills with metric volumes.

7

Make a no-bake recipe using metric measurements of mass and volume.

8

Convert measurements between the U.S. system and the metric system. Provide students with estimated conversions and exact conversions using a provided chart. Practice using various worksheets and scenarios. Also include temperature measurements.

9

Complete a conversion scavenger hunt as done by teacher Tracy Timpe, creator of TheScienceSpot.net. Teams of students search for cards hidden around the classroom that have conversion problems on them and must answer the question before searching for a new card. A prize is given to the team with the most correct answers.