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Metric Measurement Introduction

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Metric Measurement Introduction

Aotearoa’s coastal crew is preparing a clean-up day. Use metric measurements to plan supplies, check quantities and spot a measurement mistake. Show working where useful, and include units in every answer.

Units and prefixes

Use metric units to make measurements clear and practical.

1.Match each quantity to a suitable metric unit: length; mass; capacity; temperature. Choose from metre (m), kilogram (kg), litre (L) and degree Celsius (°C).

Length
Mass
Capacity
Temperature

degree Celsius (°C)
litre (L)
metre (m)
kilogram (kg)

2.A supply label says 1.6 km to the beach. Complete the conversion: 1 kilometre = metres, so 1.6 km = m.

3.The crew needs 750 mL of drinking water for each volunteer. Convert 750 mL to litres. Remember: 1 L = 1,000 mL.

Choose, estimate and measure

Think about the size of each quantity and the tool that would measure it reliably.

4.The crew is recording the mass of a full rubbish sack. Which unit is most suitable?

milligrams (mg)
grams (g)
kilograms (kg)
kilometres (km)

5.Select the most suitable tool for each task: measure the length of a rope; measure the mass of collected rubbish; measure the temperature of the water. Choose from tape measure, scales and thermometer.

Length of a rope
Mass of collected rubbish
Temperature of water

scales
tape measure
thermometer

6.A map route is 2.4 km from the car park to the beach and another 850 m along the beach. Convert 2.4 km to metres, then calculate the total distance in metres.

7.Volunteers estimate that a water container holds 18 L. A measuring jug shows that it holds 17.6 L. What is the difference between the estimate and the measured capacity?

8.A volunteer writes down a rope length as “12”. Explain why this measurement is incomplete and give two different units that could make it clear.

9.True or false? A 2.5 kg bag of collected rubbish has a mass of 2,500 g. Show or state the conversion that supports your answer.

Check the plan

Find the error, explain your reasoning and make a sensible measurement choice.

10.A supply list says, “Fill a 500 L bottle with water for one volunteer.” Identify why this is unlikely to be a sensible instruction. Suggest a more realistic capacity, using millilitres or litres.

11.Choose one item from a clean-up kit: rope, a rubbish sack or a water bottle. State one quantity you could measure for it, the best unit and a suitable measuring tool. Give a sensible example measurement.