Grade 3-8: Converting to the Metric System

Metric Fun Facts!

Did you know?
• The Metric System is official known as Le Système International d'Unités, or the International System of Units, it's more simply known the world over by its abbreviated name, the SI.

• In the 1790s and during the Revolution in France that the French devised the primitive basis for the modern metric base-10 system.

• The meter was originally 1/10,000,000 the distance from the North Pole to the Equator, through Paris Francel. 
• a gram is the weight of one cubic centimeter of water, which makes 1 liter of water weighs 1 kilogram
• metric units are all all multiples of ten

• More than one type of ton? Yes!
A short ton is equal to 2,000 pounds or about 907 kilograms. 
A long ton is equal to 2,240 pounds, or about 1,016 kilograms. 
A metric ton, which is assigned the official symbol "t" in the International System of Units, is equal to 1,000 kilograms, or about 2,204 pounds which is also 1 megagram -- denoted by the symbol Mg.

The Metric System is Case Sensitive: What?
mm = milimeter
Mm= megameter

The basic metric units are: 
meters (for length)
grams (for mass or weight)
liters (for volume)

The different units convert into one another: 
one milliliter = one cubic centimeter 
one gram = the weight of one cc of water. 

Grade 3-5: Cooking with Math

Baking to learn measurements is an easy, fun way of teaching math to children.  Plus you get to eat the end result. Since not everyone is a chef, but everyone has to eat, cooking is a great way to involve math and eating together!

Below is a simple recipe to make Rice Krispies squares. Choose a different recipe and let you child explore various measurements. Double the recipe and have the child calculate the new measurements.
Most of all, Have fun!

Recipe: Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats (12 servings)
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons butter
1 package (10 oz., about 40) marshmallows
or 4 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
6 cups Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal

DIRECTIONS

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. 2. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

The ratio of ingredients is important because if you put in too much or one ingredient and not enough of another, the finished product will not be consistent and most likely won't taste good.