SKILL: Learning about measurements.

Scientists need to keep careful track of their work and need to record their data.  Scientists use measurements to exactly describe things.  

LINEAR MEASUREMENTS

EXERCISE 1.  Look at a ruler and observe one centimeter  (1 cm).  Look at your pencil and estimate (guess) how long it is, in centimeters.  Now measure its actual length.  Record your estimate and the actual length for each of the following:

EXERCISE 2.  Look at a metric stick.  How many cm. make up a meter?  _____ Do you know your metric height?  Write down what you estimate your height to be and then (with your partner's help) measure your actual height.  Do the same for your arm span (from finger tip to finger tip).

EXERCISE 3.  A curved surface is often difficult to measure using a straight ruler.  Mark a string and then measure in centimeters the following: 

 
EXERCISE 4.  Write the unit of measurement that each of the following abbreviations stand for:

Circle the units above that are in the metric system of units.