Teacher Resources for Instructional Planning


Grade 8, Science Std 1.1: Express measurements of dimension, volume and mass using Système International d’Unités (SI units). • Converting from one prefix to another

Lesson Plans: Metrics Made Easy Students will convert standard units of measurements to metric units using tape measures, meter sticks, and rulers. Metric Conversions Students will compare and convert a given measurement to another unit within the same measurement system. Length Lab Students are challenged to find the length of various objects in millimeters, centimeters, and meters. Volume Lab This lab consists of measuring the volume of liquids and regular solids as well as using graduated cylinders and overflow cans to find the volume of irregular objects (rocks). Gummy Bear Lab This lab incorporates a variety of metric measurements (length, volume, mass) to record what happens to a gummy bear when it is placed in a water overnight. Mass Lab For the mass lab, students first estimate the mass of various objects, then find the actual mass using triple-beam balances or other scales. Mystery Canisters The density lab, known as Mystery Canisters, challenges students to modify three film canisters so that they have one that floats, one that sinks, and one that will remain suspended in the tub of tap water. Conversion Practice Students practice converting within the metric system.

Resources: Interactive conversion site Conversion Help and Practice History and use of metric system
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