How to Convert Metric Units for Kids

Using an effortless method to teach metric conversions to kids is a wise way to explain comparisons of unfamiliar measurements. The metric system was devised in Europe during the 1700s as a means of simplifying complicated an unregulated system of measurement. In America, students learn measurements using U.S. standard of measurement as an alternative to the metric system. Therefore, when American kids are asked "how many meters are in a hectometer?" they are lost. Follow a series of straightforward steps to explain and convert metric units in no time.

Instructions

1

Emphasize the rule of "10" by explaining to students that every metric measurement involves a factor of 10 and every conversion involves the movement of the decimal point to the left or right. Kilo means "1,000," for example, while becto, deka and deci mean "100", "10" and "1/10", respectively.

2

Draw a stair chart. Label each stair with a metic measurement. Label the top stair "kilo," for example. Write "hecto" to name the second step down. Continue down the stairs, labeling each stair as follows: "deka," "deci," "centi" and "milli."

3

Label the values of each measurement. Write "1,000" beside the "kilo" label and "100" next to the "deka" label. Continue down the stairs, labeling each stair with its respective measurement as follows: "10," "1," "1/10," "1/100" and "1/000".

4

Discuss the stair chair chart and discuss how it works. Tell each student that based on the rule of 10, every time you move up a stair you must move the decimal point to the right. Move the decimal point one place to the left for every step down. For example, a meter is worth "1." Move up one step, and move the decimal point once to the right, to get "10," or the value of a dekameter. Move down two steps, and move the decimal point two spaces to the left, to equal "1/10," or the value of a decimeter.

5

Ask students to use the stair chart to answer basic questions, such as "How many meters are in a dekameter?" or "How many meters are in a hectometer?" Remind students to move the decimal point from the starting point each time to get "10" and "100" as your answer. Use the stair chart example for other liquid measurement conversions as well.