lesson1

Metric Prefixes
Lesson 1 Grade Level:

Subjects(s):

Learner Outcomes:

Students will understand and be able to use the basic metric prefixes in measurement.

Duration of Lesson:

Materials:

Technology Tools/Courseware:

Teacher Notes:

Review the decimal system and place values if necessary. For now , avoid trying to have students relate to the idea of multiplying and dividing by ten in order to convert from one unit to another. Average students will do much better if they first grasp the concepts of the prefixes as substitutes for the place values and become comfortable with their use. Begin with the most common prefixes to keep it simple; you can always add more. Metric Program Power Point

Procedures:

Review with the students the place values of 1 thousand through 1 thousandth.

Thousands Hundreds Tens Ones (decimal point) tenths hundredth thousandth

Write the prefixes on the board in order from largest to smallest and have students copy these in their notes.

Kilo Hecto Deka Units (decimal point) deci centi milli

Emphasize to students that these prefixes are a part of the English language, so they may be more familiar with them than they may realize.
Divide students into groups and provide them with dictionaries. Have each group find and record as many words as they can that use these prefixes. Students can also brain storm to think of words or expressions that they may use which incorporate the use of the metric prefixes or the metric system. Example: Y2K = year 2,000; 5K race = 5,000 meter run. Computer memory, track and field and soft drinks are some area that students often use the metric system.
Have students share their words and compile a list of these words grouped by prefixes

Modifications:

Have students use cards to write the prefixes. They can arrange these in order from largest to smallest. Be sure to include the decimal point and the units place. The values can be written on the same card or on separate cards to be used as a matching activity. Activity

Enrichment/Activity:

Have students research the Internet to find information about the standards used for the metric system. Mixed Up Measurements Metric System
Search for jobs or careers that require the use of the metric system, i.e. health/medicine, science, auto mechanics, etc.

Evaluation/ Assessment: