The SI UNITS Unit
The International System of Measurements
The common name, SI Units, is short for the International System of Measurements. Back in 1960, the SI units were adopted as the universal measurement system. This modern metric system helps scientists and doctors worldwide keep consistent data that is easy to compare and analyze. For scientific findings to be accepted and understood without confusion, scientists had to accept a method of measurement that would be concise and universally used. In this unit, your student will be introduced to the importance of the International System of Measurements and what it is. The SI UNITS unit includes a slideshow, video clips, articles, and a number of hands-on measurement activities. Have fun!
*Be sure to check out our other science units including our Layers of the Earth Unit.
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Introduction to the SI Units Unit (The Metric System)
Bill Nye’s introduction to the metric system is a fun way to jump into this unit. It gives your student a basis for the importance of the implementation of the SI Units. It is short, but sweet. Well worth the 2 minutes!
After the video, ask you student some comprehension questions about the video.
– Why did people stop measuring objects with their body parts?
Answer: No two human bodies are the same. So, if two scientists measured a distance both with their feet, the measurements would not be the same because their feet are different lengths! There had to be a better way. A universal system of measurements that would allow all of us to measure with consistent and reliable results. Hence, the birth of the metric system.
What are the SI Units? Slideshow
The SI Units unit slideshow is an effective way to present key information about what the SI Units are and why they are important. You can purchase this PowerPoint presentation along with other resources in our SI Units & Conversions Pack.
What are the SI Units? Guided Notes
The “What are the SI Units? Guided Notes is an effective tool to use when leading students to take notes using the slideshow. These guided notes are an excellent addition to any science notebook. In the SI Units unit, there are several worksheets and activities that require students to look back at the notes they originally took in the introduction. These lay a great foundation for the work ahead.
SI Units Quick Notes
This set of SI Units Quick Notes is a visually friendly note taking strategy for those reluctant note takers. It is also a fun way to review the 7 base units of measurement without simply writing them on normal paper. The visual pictures help a student solidify the information being processed. Use this SI Units Quick Notes sheet with the slideshow featured above.
SI Units Quick Questions
The SI Units Quick Questions Worksheet is an effective review of the “What are the SI Units?” slideshow and note sheet. Students can use their notes to answer the 25 questions featured about the International System of Units. The answers to the quick questions can then be self-checked by using the “SI Units Quick Questions” slideshow. In the slideshow, the questions are followed by the answers. Happy homeschooling!
SI Units Quick Questions Slideshow w/ Answers
The SI Units unit Quick Questions is a 25 questions quiz that tests your students ability to use the notes taken from “What are the SI Units?” slideshow. Use this slideshow after your student has completed the “SI Units Quick Questions” worksheet. The slideshow gives the answers to the worksheet providing the opportunity for students to self check their own work.
*To download the PowerPoint version of this presentation, check it out here!
Learn the Metric System
This Metric System for kids video may not be the most exciting film, but the information presented coincides directly with what a middle school student learns in most states to meet educational standards. In the video, the presenter breaks down the system of measurement reviewing what was discussed in the “What are the SI Units?” slideshow.
Investigation Stations: Making Measurements
The Investigation Stations: Making Measurements sheet is the guide you need to conduct your own stations. This sheet will guide you through 5 different stations. One will be for length, volume/liquid volume, mass, temperature, and density. Stations are an effective way to bring movement to your classroom without the chaos. For a family setting, prepare your materials ahead of time and then tackle each section one at a time. This activity may be one that you do over the course of a few days or week. Breaking the stations into sections allows a homeschool parent to focus on one topic at a time. Great one on one teaching time!
Here is a break down of the materials needed for the Investigation Stations.
Length Station: Provide your student with the objects specified on the worksheet (pen, book, paper clip, United States Map with a key)
Volume Station: Your student will need two cylinders to measure liquid volume. They will need another cylinder and an irregular object to conduct their own investigation.
Mass Station: To answer the questions in the mass section, the tools needed are 3 random objects (should be able to fit in the palm of your hand) and a triple beam balance.
Temperature Station: In this station, you will provide your student with three beakers (or cups) filled with water. One cup will have water in it from the refrigerator, the second one will have room temperature water, and the last will have water in it that has been heated in the microwave for 1 minute. Your student will also need a thermometer.
Density Station: The materials needed for this section is a triple beam balance and an object that can be measured easily… like a die. Your student may need some assistance finding the density of the object you give them. Some students have a difficult time figuring out what steps need to be conducted to configure density. To start, encourage your student to find the volume of the object using the centimeter measurement on a ruler. Next, your student will find the mass of the object using a triple beam balance. Once they have the volume and the mass, it is a matter of putting it into fraction form and dividing mass over volume.
1999 Mars Climate Orbiter Catastrophe Article
Gives reasoning for why the SI Units are so important
The unsuccessful mission of the 1999 Mars Climate Orbiter was a result of inputting faulty measurements into the guidance system. This article shows how important it is for scientists to use the same system of measurements. Crazy to think that a machine so sophisticated was destroyed due to an error of simple math. Let your student read this article provided by NASA: Solar System Exploration. If you are looking for a PDF version of the article, click here.
After reading the article, ask you student some comprehension questions. See if your student can take the information given in the article to deduct a reasonable answer for the following question.
– Do you think it is important for nations worldwide to use the same measurement system? Why or why not?
Answer: There is no right or wrong answer as it is an opinion question. The wrong answer would be to not have one. Even if your student doesn’t agree with the idea of a one world measurement system, ask them to think of some reasons to back up their argument whether it is from the article or not.
Why the US doesn't use metric (even though it does) - DID YOU KNOW
Very interesting video explaining why the United States is one of only three countries that has not fully committed to the metric system. When talking about traveling from city to city, we refer to miles not kilometers. We are more likely to say we weigh so many pounds as opposed to kilograms. The metric system is used and taught in schools, but it is not a part of our everyday worlds. Learn the reason why in this informational video.
Metric Unit Conversions Reference Sheet
Featuring "King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk"
The SI Units Unit would not be complete without this mnemonic device! This sheet is the perfect companion for your student as they tackle converting metric units from one to another. Personally, I love to use the mnemonic device, “King Henry Died by Drinking Chocolate Milk.” This has helped me and countless students over the years to successfully convert metric units. Print this sheet as a reference tool for your student. Happy converting 🙂
Converting in the Metric System Video
When learning to convert metrics, the easiest and most comprehensive way to teach it to most kids is to use the mnemonic device: King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk. It has been used for decades because it works! The information presented in this video will give you the information you need to understand the best short cut to converting metrics! It may not be the most exciting video, but gives you what you need to know to teach your kids converting metrics.
Math Antics - Intro to the Metric System & Converting
Some of you may need a different explanation to approach the conversion of metrics. In this video, Math Antics explains thoroughly the science and math behind converting. In my opinion, this video may overload some students with the verbiage, but then again, it may be just what your student needs.
Set of 2 Converting Metrics Worksheets
This set of 2 Converting Metrics Worksheets are meant to be used with the mnemonic device, “King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk.” For your convenience, there is a teacher’s key attached to the PDF as well. You will find 2 worksheets for practice. It may be helpful to work through one of the worksheets with your student and then allow them to independently complete the second one. Have fun practicing converting!
Common SI Units and Metric Conversion Tables
This Common SI Units and Metric Conversion Tables features the one pictured along with one that will convert imperial measurements to metric below. Imperial measurements are ones that we commonly use in the United States on a daily basis. For example, there is a way to convert miles to kilometers or vice versa. Print this sheet for your student as a reference before pursuing conversions of that magnitude. In middle school science, we do not usually convert measurements from imperial to metric. Converting metrics is usually kept within the metric system itself. So, this reference sheet is not necessary, however, for some of you, it may be of interest.
SI Units & Conversions Pack
To make life a little easier, especially for those teaching in a homeschool classroom setting, consider adding the SI Units Conversions Pack to your shop cart. You will receive the actual PowerPoint presentations along with the printables in one email. The 2 PowerPoints are the meat and potatoes in this unit.
Food for thought...
Looking for a more permanent science curriculum? Even though we pursue various science units that encompass labs and such, we also use a science textbook each year. Some might say that our science units supplement our textbook, while others would say the opposite to be true. The labs, experiments, graphic organizers, videos, and other activities bring the textbook information to life.
We use Abeka Science textbooks. I love that they incorporate God and His sovereignty into their curriculum. When I taught in the public school system, I noticed that many of my students were lacking in vocabulary. This made it difficult for them to understand the why behind many of our investigations. Unfortunately, they were deficient in their background knowledge. Our science time would be lacking too if it weren’t for the rich vocabulary and science language that we find in our science textbook and readers. If you are interested in shopping for a full-time science curriculum or even just a textbook to guide you, click on the following link! Happy homeschooling!
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