Table of Contents

Teaching and Learning The Metric System

Unit 1

- Suggested Teaching Sequence

- Objectives

- Rules of Notation

- Metric Units, Symbols, and Referents

- Metric Prefixes

- Linear Measurement Activities

- Area Measurement Activities

- Volume Measurement Activities

- Mass (Weight) Measurement Activities

- Temperature Measurement Activities

1

1 

1 

1 

2 

2 

3 

5 

7 

9 

11

Unit 2

- Objectives

- Suggested Teaching Sequence

- Metrics in this Occupation

- Metric Units For Food Distribution

- Trying Out Metric Units

- Distributing Food With Metric

12

12

12

12

13

14

15

Unit 3

- Objective

- Suggested Teaching Sequence

- Metric-Metric Equivalents

- Changing Units at Work

16

16

16

16

18

Unit 4

- Objective

- Suggested Teaching Sequence

- Selecting and Using Metric Instruments, Tools and Devices

- Which Tools for the Job?

- Measuring Up in Food Distribution

19

19

19

19

20

20

Unit 5

- Objective

- Suggested Teaching Sequence

- Metric-Customary Equivalents

- Conversion Tables

- Any Way You Want It

21

21

21

21

22

23

Testing Metric Abilities 24

Answers to Exercises and Test 25

Tools and Devices List

References

TEACHING AND LEARNING 

THE METRIC SYSTEM 

This metric instructional package was designed to meet job-related 

metric measurement needs of students. To use this package students 

should already know the occupational terminology, measurement 

terms, and tools currently in use. These materials were prepared with 

the help of experienced vocational teachers, reviewed by experts, tested 

in classrooms in different parts of the United States, and revised before 

distribution. 

Each of the five units of instruction contains performance objectives, learning activities, and supporting information in the form of 

text, exercises, and tables. In addition, suggested teaching techniques 

are included. At the back of this package are objective-based evaluation 

items, a page of answers to the exercises and tests, a list of metric 

materials needed for the activities, references, and a list of suppliers. 

Classroom experiences with this instructional package suggest the 

following teaching-learning strategies: 

1. Let the first experiences be informal to make learning the metric 

system fun. 

2. Students learn better when metric units are compared to familiar 

objects. Everyone should learn to "think metric." Comparing 

metric units to customary units can be confusing. 

3. Students will learn quickly to estimate and measure in metric units 

by ''doing." 

4. Students should have experience with measuring activities before 

getting too much information. 

5. Move through the units in an order which emphasizes the simplicity of the metric system (e.g., length to area to volume). 

6. Teach one concept at a time to avoid overwhelming students with 

too much material. 

Unit 1 is a general introduction to the metric system of measurement which provides informal, hands-on experiences for the students. 

This unit enables students to become familiar with the basic metric 

units, their symbols, and measurement instruments; and to develop a 

set of mental references for metric values. The metric system of notation also is explained. 

Unit 2 provides the metric terms which are used in this occupation 

and gives experience with occupational measurement tasks. 

Unit 3 focuses on job-related metric equivalents and their relationships. 

Unit 4 provides experience with recogmzmg and using metric 

instru~ and tools in occupational measurement tasks. It also provides experience in comparing metric and customary measurement instruments. 

Unit 5 is designed to give students practice in converting customary and metric measurements. Students should learn to "think metric" 

and avoid comparing customary and metric units. However, skill with 

conversion tables will be useful during the transition to metric in each 

occupation. 

Using These Instructional Materials 

This package was designed to help students learn a core of knowledge about the metric system which they will use on the job. The 

exercises facilitate experiences with measurement instruments, tools, 

and devices used in this occupation and job-related tasks of estimating 

and measuring. 

This instructional package also was designed to accommodate a 

variety of individual teaching and learning styles. Teachers are encouraged to adapt these materials to their own classes. For example, the 

information sheets may be given to students for self-study. References 

may be used as supplemental resources. Exercises may be used in independent study, small groups, or whole-class activities. All of the 

materials can be expanded by the teacher. 

Gloria S Cooper 

Joel H. ~lagisos 

Editors 

This publication was developed pursuant to contract No. OEC-0-74-9335 w ith the 

Bureau of Occupational and Adult Education, U .S. Department of Health. Education and Welfare. However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily 

reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Office of Education and no official 

endorsement by the U .S Office of Education should be inferred. 
1. 

2. 

3. 

UNIT 1 

SUGGESTED TEACHING SEQUENCE 

These introductory exercises may require 

two or three teaching periods for all five 

areas of measurement. 

Exercises should be followed in the order 

given to best show the relationship 

between length, area, and volume. 

Assemble the metric measuring devices 

(rules, tapes, scales, thermometers, and 

measuring containers) and objects to be 

measured.* 

4. Set up the equipment at work stations 

for use by the whole class or as individualized resource activities. 

5. Have the students estimate, measure, and 

record using Exercises 1 through 5. 

6. Present information on notation and 

make Table 1 available. 

7. Follow up with group discussion of 

activities. 

*Other school departments may have devices which 

can be used. Metric suppliers are listed in the reference 

section. 

OBJECTIVES 

The student will demonstrate these skills for the Linear, Area, Volume or Capacity, Mass, and 

Temperature Exercises, using the metric terms and measurement devices listed here. 

SKILLS 

1. Rec ognize and use the 

unit and its symbol for: 

2. Select, use, and read the 

appropriate measuring 

instruments for: 

3. State or show a 

physical reference for: 

4 . Estimate within 25% 

of the actual measure 

5. Read correctly 

Linear 

(pp. 3 ° 4) 

millimetre (mm) 

centimetre (em) 

metre (m) 

height, width, or 

length of objects 

metre stick, metric 

tape measure, and 

metric rulers 

RULES OF NOTATION 

Area 

(pp. 5° 6) 

square 

centimetre 

(cm2 ) 

square 

metre 

(m2) 

the area of 

a given surface 

EXERCISES 

Volume or Capacity 

(pp. 7 ° 8) 

cubic centi· 

metre (cm 3 ) 

cubic metre 

(m3) 

litre (I) 

millilitre (ml) 

capacity of 

containers 

measurements 

on graduated 

volume measur· 

ing devices 

Mass Temperature 

(pp. 9 ° 10) (p.ll) 

gram (g) degree Celsius 

tC) 

kilogram (kg) 

the mass of objec ts the temperature of 

in grams and kilo- the air or a liquid 

grams 

a kilogram scale A Celsius thermometer 

and a gram scale 

1. Symbols are not capitalized unless the unit is a proper name (mm not MM). 

2. Symbols are not followed by periods (m not m.). 

3. Symbols are not followed by an s for plurals (25 g not 25 gs). 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

A space separates the numerals from the unit symbols (4 l not 41). 

Spaces, not commas, are used to separate large numbers into groups of three 

digits ( 45 271 km not 45,271 km). 

A zero precedes the decimal point if the number is less than one (0.52 g not .52 g). 

Litre and metre can be spelled either with an -re or -er ending. 

Information Sheet 1 

1 
2 

METRIC UNITS, SYMBOLS, AND REFERENTS METRIC PREFIXES 

Quantity Metric Unit Symbol Useful Referents Multiples and 

Prefixes Symbols Submultiples 

Length millimetre nun Thickness of dime or paper 

clip wire 

1 000 000 = 106 mega (meg'a) M 

centimetre em Width of paper clip 1000 = 103 kilo (k Uo) k 

metre m Height of door about 2 m 100 = 102 hecto (he k'to) h 

kilometre k.m 12-minute walking distance 10 = 101 deka (dek'a) da 

Area square Area of this space 

D centimetre cm2 

Base Unit 1 = 10° 

0.1 = 10-1 deci (des' f) d 

0.01 = 10-2 centi (sen' ti) c 

square metre m2 Area of card table top 0.001 = 10 - 3 milli ( niil'f) m 

hectare ha Football field including sidelines 

and end zones 0.000 001 = 10-6 micro (mi'kro ) J.l. 

Volume and millilitre ml Teaspoon is 5 ml 

Capacity litre I A little more than 1 quart Table 1- b 

cubic 

centimetre cm3 Volume of this container 

co 

cubic metre m3 A little more than a cubic yard 

Mass milligram mg Apple seed about 10 mg, grain of 

salt, 1 mg 

gram g Nickel about 5 g 

kilogram kg Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 

metric ton 

(1 000 kilonams) t Volkswagen Beetle 

Table 1-a 
LINEAR MEASUREMENT ACTIVITIES 

Metre, Centimetre, Millimetre 

I. THE METRE (m) 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR THE SIZE OF A METRE 

1. Pick up one of the metre 

sticks and stand it up on the 

floor. Hold it in place with 

one hand. Walk around the 

stick. Now stand next to 

the stick. With your other 

hand, touch yourself where 

the top of the metre stick 

comes on you. 

THAT IS HOW HIGH A METRE IS! 

2. Hold one arm out straight 

at shoulder height. Put 

the metre stick along this 

arm until the end hits the 

end of your fingers. Where 

is the other end of the 

metre stick? Touch your· 

self at that end. 

THAT IS HOW LONG A METRE IS! 

a3 CEM"ER 'OR VOCATION~ EDUCATOON 

3. Choose a partner to stand 

at your side. Move apart 

so that you can put one 

~nd of a metre stick on 

your partner's shoulder 

and the other end on 

your shoulder. Look at 

the space between you. 

THAT IS THE WIDTH OF A METRE! 

3 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTIMATE IN METRES 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Now you will improve your ability to estimate in metres. 

Remember where the length and height of a metre was on your 

body. 

For each of the following items: 

Estimate the size of the items and write your estimate in the 

ESTIMATE column. Measure the size with your metre stick 

and write the answer in the MEASUREMENT column. 

Decide how close your estimate was to the actual measure. If 

your estimate was within 25% of the actual measure you are a 

"Metric Marvel." 

Height of door knob 

from floor. 

Height of door. 

Length of table. 

Width of table . 

Length of wall of 

this room. 

Distance from 

you to wall. 

Estjmate 

(m) 

Measurement 

(m) 

How Close 

Were You? 

Exercise 1 

(continued on next page) 
4 

II. THE CENTIMETRE (em) 

There are 100 cPntimetres in onP metre. If therP arP 4 mPtrP~ and 

3 centimetres, you write 403 em [ ( 4 x 100 em) + 3 em = 400 ci:n 

+ 3 em]. 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR THE SIZE OF A CENTIMETRE 

1. Hold the metric ruler against the width of your thumbnail. 

How wide is it? em 

2. Measure your thumb from the first joint to the end. 

em 

3. Use the metric ruler to find the width of your palm. 

em 

4. Measure your index or pointing finger. How long is it? 

em 

5. Measure your wrist with a tape measure. \\!hat is the distance 

around it? em 

6. Use the tape measure to find your waist size. ____ em 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTIMATE IN CENTIMETRES 

You are now ready to estimat e in centimetres. For each of the 

following items, follow the procedures used for estimating in 

metres. 

1. Length of a paper 

clip. 

2. Diameter (width ) 

of a coin. 

3. Width of a 

postage stamp. 

4 . Length of a 

pencil. 

5. Width of a sheet 

of paper. 

Estimate 

(em) 

Measurement 

(em) 

How Close 

Were You? 

III. THE WLLIMETRE (mm) 

ThE>rE' are 10 millimE>tres in onP cPntimPtrP. \VhE>n a mPasurPment is 

2 centimetres and 5 millimetres, you write 25 mm [(2 x 10 mm) 

+ 5 mm ,;, 20 mm + 5 mm]. There are 1 000 mm in 1m. 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR THE SIZE OF. A l\1ILLIMETRE 

Using a ruler marked in millimetres, measure: 

1. Thickness of a paper clip wire. mm 

2. Thickness of your fingernaiL mm 

3. Width of your fingernail. mm 

4 . Diameter (width)of a coin. mm 

5. Diameter (thickness) of your pencil. mm 

6 . Width of a postage stamp. mm 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTil\1ATE IN MILLIMETRES 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

You are now ready to estimate in millimetres. For each of the 

following items, follow the procedures used for estimating in 

metres. 

Thickness of a 

nickel. 

Diameter (thickness) 

of a bolt. 

Length of a bolt. 

Width of a sheet 

of paper. 

Thickness of a board 

or desk top. 

Thickness of a 

button. 

Estimate 

(mm) 

Measurement 

(mm) 

How Close 

Were You? 

Exercise 1 
AREA MEASUREMENT ACTIVITIES 

Square Centimetre, Square Metre 

WHEN YOU DESCRIBE THE AREA OF SOMETHING, YOU ARE 

SAYING HOW MANY SQUARES OF A GIVEN SIZE ITT AKES TO 

COVER THE SURF ACE. 

I. THE SQUARE CENTIMETRE ( cm2 ) 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR A SQUARE CENTIMETRE 

1. Take a clear plastic grid, or use the grid on page 6. 

2. Measure the length and width of one of these small 

squares with a centimetre ruler. 

THAT IS ONE SQUARE CENTIMETRE! 

3. Place your fingernail over the grid. About how many 

squares does it take to cover your fingernail? 

___ cm2 

4. Place a coin over the grid. About how many squares 

does it take to cover the coin? cm2 

5. Place a postage stamp over the grid. About how many 

squares does it take to cover the postage stamp? ___ cm2 

6. Place an envelope over the grid. About how many 

squares does it take to cover the envelope? 

___ cm2 

7. Measure the length and width of the envelope in centimetres. Length em; width em. 

Multiply to find the area in square centimetres. 

____ em x em = cm2. How 

close are the answers you have in 6. and in 7.? 

5 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTIMATE IN SQUARE 

CENTIMETRES 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

You are now ready to develop your ability to estimate 

in square centimetres. 

Remember the size of a square centimetre. For each of the 

following items, follow the procedures used for estimating in 

metres. 

Index card. 

Book cover. 

Photograph. 

Window pane or 

desk top. 

Estimate 

(cm2 ) 

How Close 

Were You? 

II. THE SQUARE METRE (m2 ) 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR A SQUARE METRE 

1. Tape four metre sticks together to make a square which 

is one metre long and one metre wide. 

2. Hold the square up with one side on the floor to see how 

big it is. 

3. Place the square on the floor in a comer. Step back and 

look. See how much floor space it covers. 

4. Place the square over a table top or desk to see how 

much space it covers. 

5. Place the square against the bottom of a door. See how 

much of the door it covers. How many squares would it 

take to cover the door? m2 

THIS IS HOW BIG A SQUARE METRE IS! 

Exercise 2 

(continued on next page) 
6 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTIMATE IN SQUARE CENTIMETRE GRID 

"METRES 

You are now ready. to estimate in square metres. Follow the 

procedures used for estimating in metres. 

How Close 

Estimate Measurement Were You? 

(m2) (m2) 

1. Door. 

2. Full sheet of 

newspaper. 

3. Chalkboard or 

bulletin board. 

4. Floor. 

5. Wall. 

6. Wall chart or poster. 

7. Side of file cabinet. 

Exercise 2 
VOLUME MEASUREMENT ACTIVITIES 

Cubic Centimetre, Litre, Millilitre, Cubic Metre 

I. THE CUBIC CENTIMETRE ( cm3 ) 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR THE CUBIC CENTIMETRE 

1. Pick up a colored plastic cube. Measure its length, 

height, and width in centimetres. 

THAT IS ONE CUBIC CENTIMETRE! 

2. Find the volume of a plastic litre box. 

a. Place a ROW of cubes against the bottom of one side 

of the box. How many cubes fit in the row? ___ _ 

b. Place another ROW of cubes against an adjoining side 

of the box. I:Iow many rows fit inside the box 

to make one layer of cubes? ___ _ 

How many cubes in each row? ___ _ 

How many cubes in the layer in the bottom of the 

box? ___ _ 

c. Stand a ROW of cubes up against the side of the box. 

How many LAYERS would fit in the box? ___ _ 

How many cubes in each layer? ----

How many cubes fit in the box altogether? ___ _ 

THE VOLUME OF THE BOX IS ___ CUBIC 

CENTIMETRES. 

d. Measure the length, width, and height of the box in 

centimetres. Length em; width em; 

height em. Multiply these numbers to find 

the volume in cubic centimetres. 

___ em x em x em = ___ cm3 • 

Are the answers the same in c. and d.? 

l3GCENnR ""' VOCATIONAL EDUCATOON 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTII'v1ATE IN CUBIC 

CENTIMETRES 

1. 

You are now ready to develop your ability to estimate 

in cubic centimetres. 

Remember the size of a cubic centimetre. For each of 

the following items, use the procedures for estimating in 

metres. 

Index card file 

box. 

Estimate 

(cm3 ) 

Measurement 

(cm3 ) 

How Close 

Were You? 

2. Freezer container. 

3. Paper clip box. 

4. Box of staples. 

II. THE LITRE (I) 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR A LITRE 

1. Take a one litre beaker and fill it with water. 

7 

2. Pour the water into paper cups, filling each as full as you 

usually do. How many cups do you fill? 

THAT IS HOW MUCH IS IN ONE LITRE! 

3. Fill the litre container with rice. 

THAT IS HOW MUCH IT TAKES TO FILL A ONE 

LITRE CONTAINER! 

Exercise 3 

(continued on next page) 
8 

m. 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTL\1ATE IN LITRES 

You are now ready to develop your ability to estimate in 

litres. To write two and one-halflitres, you write 2.5 l, or 

2.5 litres. To write one-half litre, you write 0.5 l, or 0.5 

litre. ·To write two and three-fourths litres, you write 

2.751, or 2.75 litres. 

For each of the following items, use the procedures for 

estimating in metres. 

Estimate Measurement 

(l) (I) 

1. Medium-size 

freezer container. 

2. Large freezer 

container. 

3. Small freezer 

container. 

4. Bottle or jug. 

THE MILLILITRE (ml) 

How Close 

Were You? 

There are 1 000 millilitres in one litre. 1 000 ml = 1 litre. Half 

a litre is 500 millilitres, or 0.5 litre = 500 ml. 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR A MILLILITRE 

1. Examine a centimetre cube. Anything which holds 

1 em 3 holds 1 ml. 

2. Fill a 1 millilitre measuring spoon with rice. Empty the 

spoon into your hand. Carefully pour the rice into a 

small pile on a sheet of paper. 

THAT IS HOW MUCH ONE MILLILITRE IS! 

3. Fill the 5 ml spoon with rice. Pour the rice into another 

pile on the sheet of paper. 

THAT IS 5 MILLILITRES, OR ONE TEASPOON! 

4. Fill the 15 ml spoon with rice. Pour the rice into a third 

pile on the paper. 

THAT IS 15 MILLILITRES, OR ONE TABLESPOON! 

ENTER O'OR VOCAT>ONAC EOUCATOON 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTIMATE IN MILLILITRES 

1. 

2. 

3. 

You are now ready to estimate in millilitres. Follow the 

procedures used for estimating metres. 

Small juice can. 

Paper cup or tea 

cup. 

Soft drink can. 

Estimate 

(ml) 

How Close 

Measurement Were You? 

(ml) 

4. Bottle. 

IV. THE CUBIC METRE (m3 ) 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR A CUBIC METRE 

1. Place a one metre square on the floor next to the wall. 

2. Measure a metre UP the wall. 

3. Picture a box that would fit into that space. 

THAT IS THE VOLUME OF ONE CUBIC METRE! 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTIMATE IN CUBIC METRES 

For each of the following items, follow the estimating procedures used before. 

1. Office desk. 

2. File cabinet. 

3. Small room. 

Measurement 

(m3) 

How Close 

Were You? 

Exercise 3 
MASS (WEIGHT) MEASUREMENT ACTIVITIES 

Kilogram, Gram 

The mass of an object is a measure of the amount of matter in the 

object. This amount is always the same unless you add or subtract some 

matter from the object. Weight is the term that most people use when 

they mean mass. The weight of an object is affected by gravity; the 

mass of an object is not. For example, the weight of a person on earth 

might be 120 pounds; that same person's weight on the moon would be 

20 pounds. This difference is because the pull of gravity on the moon 

is less than the pull of gravity on earth. A person's mass on the earth 

and on the moon would be the same. The metric system does not 

measure weight--it measures mass. We will use the term mass here. 

The symbol for gram is g. 

The symbol for kilogram is kg. 

There are 1 000 grams in. one kilogram, or 1 000 g = 1 kg. 

Half a kilogram can be written as 500 g,or 0.5 kg. 

A quarter of a kilogram can be written as 250 g,or 0.25 kg. 

Two and three-fourths kilograms is written as 2.75 kg. 

I. THE KILOGRAM (kg) 

DEVELOP A FEELING FOR THE MASS OF A KILOGRAM 

Using a balance or scale, find the mass of the items on the table. 

Before you find the mass, notice how heavy the object "feels" 

and compare it to the reading on the scale or balance. 

·a3 CENTER- VOCAT>ONAL EDUCATOON 

Mass 

(kg) 

1. 1 kilogram box. 

2. Textbook. 

3. Bag of sugar. 

4. Package of paper. 

5. Your own mass. 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTIMATE IN KILOGRAMS 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

For the following items ESTIMATE the mass of the object in 

kilograms, then use the scale or balance to find the exact mass 

of the object. Write the exact mass in the MEASUREMENT 

column. Determine how close your estimate is: 

Estimate 

(kg) 

Bag of rice. 

Bag of nails. 

Large purse or 

briefcase. 

Another person. 

A few books. 

Measurement 

(kg) 

How Close 

Were You? 

Exercise 4 

(continued on next page) 

9 
10 

II. THE GRAM (g) 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR A GRAM 

1. Take a colored plastic cube·. Hold it in your hand. 

2. 

Shake the cube in your palm as if shaking dice . Feel the 

pressure on your hand when the cube is in motion, then 

when it is not in motion. 

THAT IS HOW HEAVY A GRAM IS! 

Take a second cube arid attach it to the first. Shake the 

cubes in first one hand and then the other hand; rest 

the cubes near the tips of your fingers, moving your 

hand up and down. 

THAT IS THE MASS OF TWO GRAMS! 

3. Take five cubes in one hand and shake them around. 

THAT IS THE MASS OF FIVE GRAMS! 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTIMATE IN GRAMS 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

You are now ready to improve your ability to estimate in 

grams. Remember how heavy the 1 gram cube is, how heavy 

the two gram cubes are, and how heavy the five gram cubes 

are . For each of the following items, follow the procedures 

used for estimating in kilograms. 

Two thumbtacks. 

Pencil. 

Two-page letter 

and envelope. 

Nickel. 

Apple. 

Package of 

margarine. 

Estimate 

(g) 

Measurement 

(g) 

How Close 

Were You? 

Exercise 4 
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT ACTIVITIES 

Degree Celsius 

I. DEGREE CELSIUS (

0

C) 

Degree Celsius tC) is the metric measure for temperature. 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR DEGREE CELSIUS 

Take a Celsius thermometer. Look at the marks on it. 

1. Find 0 degrees. 

WATER FREEZES AT ZERO DEGREES CELSIUS (0°C) 

WATER BOILS AT 100 DEGREES CELSIUS (100°C) 

2. Find the temperature of the room. °C. Is the 

room cool, warm, or about right? 

3. Put some hot water from the faucet into a container. 

Find the temperature. °C. Dip your finger 

quickly in and out of the water. Is the water very hot, 

hot, or just warm? 

4. Put some cold water in a container with a thermometer. 

Find the temperature. °C. Dip your finger into 

the water. Is it cool, cold, or very cold? 

5. Bend your arm with the inside of your elbow around the 

bottom of the thermometer. After about three minutes 

find the temperature. °C. Your skin temperature is not as high as your body temperature. 

NORMAL BODY TE:MPERATURE IS 37 DEGREES 

CELSIUS (37°C). 

A FEVER IS 39°C. 

A VERY HIGH FEVER IS 40°C. 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTIMATE IN DEGREES 

CELSIUS 

11 

For each item, ESTIMATE and write down how many degrees 

Celsius you think it is. Then measure and write the :MEASURE-

:MENT. See how close your estimates and actual measure1. 

ments are. 

:Mix some hot and 

cold water in a 

container. Dip your 

finger into the 

water. 

2. Pour out some of 

the water. Add some 

hot water. Dip your 

finger quickly into 

the water. 

3. Outdoor temperature. 

4. Sunny window sill. 

5. Mix of ice and water. 

6. Temperature at 

floor. 

7. Temperature at 

ceiling. 

Estimate 

(C) 

How Close 

:Measurement Were You? 

(OC) 

Exercise 5 
12 

UNIT 2 

OBJECTIVES 

The student will recognize and use the metric 

term;, units, and symbols used in this occupation. 

• 

• 

Given a metric unit, state its use in this 

occupation. 

Given a measurement task in this occupation, select the appropriate metric unit 

and measurement tool. 

SUGGESTED TEACHING SEQUENCE 

1. Assemble metric measurement tools (rules, 

tapes, scales, thermometers, etc.) and 

objects related to this occupation. 

2. Discuss with students how to read the 

tools. 

3. Present and have students discuss 

Information Sheet 2 and Table 2. 

4. Have students learn occupationallyrelated metric measurements by completing Exercises 6 and 7. 

5. Test performance by using Section A of 

"Testing Metric Abilities." 

CENTER..,. .OCAnoNAL EDUCATOON 

METRICS IN THIS OCCUPATION 

Changeover to the metric system is under way. Large corporations are already using 

metric measurement to compete in the world market. The metric system has been used in 

various parts of industrial and scientific communities for years. Legislation, passed in 

1975, authorizes an orderly transition to use of the metric system. As businesses and 

industries make this metric changeover, employees will need to use metric measurement 

in job-related tasks. 

Table 2 lists those metric terms which are most commonly used in this occupation. 

These terms are replacing the measurement units used currently. What kinds of jobrelated tasks use measurement? Think of the many different kinds of measurements you 

now make and use Table 2 to discuss the metric terms which replace them. See if you 

can add to the list of uses beside each metric term . 

Information Sheet 2 
13 

METRICS FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTION 

Quantity Unit Symbol Use 

Length millimetre mm Container and package sizes 

centimetre em Display cases (meat, produce) 

metre m Display cases (meat, produce), shelf space, 

width of aisles 

Area square centimetre cm2 Shelving 

square metre m2 Floor space 

' 

Volume/Capacity millilitre ml Food, beverage, liquid germicides, pesticides, 

cleaning agents, storage space 

litre I 

cubic metre ma 

Mass gram g Foods, housewares, powdered pesticides, 

cleaning agents, germicides 

kilogram kg 

Temperature degree Celsius oc Food storage, display cases, warehouse 

Application Rates 

Dry mixes grams per square metre g/m2 Pesticides, germicides, cleaiung powders 

Liquid millilitres per square metre ml/m2 

Dilutions or Concentrates 

Dry mixes grams per kilogram g/kg Pesticides, germicides, cleaning powders 

LiQuid millilitres per litre ml/1 

grams per litre g/1 

Table 2 
14 

TRYING OUT METRIC UNITS 

To give you practice with metric units, first estimate the measure- Estimate Actual 

ments of the items below. Write down your best guess next to the item. 

Then actually measure the item and write down your answers using the 16. Display case 

correct metric symbols. The more you practice, the easier it will be. 

17 . Warehouse storage 

Estimate Actual 

18. Milk carton 

Length 19. Can of soup 1. Width of aisles 

2. Depth of shelves 20. Box of soap 

3. Height of display 21. Frozen food display 

4. Width of an end display 22. Carton of ice cream 

5. Checkout counter 

Mass 

6. Length of lighting for 23. Produce 

a display 

7. Dairy display case 24. Packaged meat 

8. Egg carton 25. Quarter of beef 

9. Butcher paper width 26 . Bag of sugar 

Area 27. Sack of potatoes 

10. Meat display case 

28. Can of coffee 

11. Dairy display case 

12. Checkout counter Temperature 

29. Storage area 

13. Open display shelf 

30. Dairy case 

14. Produce stand 

31. Frozen food display case 

Volume/Capacity 32. Meat display case 15. Soda pop bottle 

Exercise 6 
15 

DISTRIBUTING FOOD WITH METRICS 

It is important to know what metric measurement to use. Show 

18. Length of an island display what measurement to use in the following situations. 

19. Area of a grocery storage area 

1. Mass of a stick of butter 

20. Length of a roller conveyor section 

2. Capacity of a carton of milk 

21. Length and width of stock sign 3. Mass of a sack of potatoes holders 

4. Area of a produce department 22. Capacity of an ice cream case 

5. Capacity of a soup can 23. Dilution rate of liquid 

pesticide 

6. Capacity of a fruit basket 24. Dilution rate of cleaning 

powder to water 

7. Temperature of a meat display 25. Application rate of liquid cooler floor wax 

8. Mass of a watermelon 

9. Mass of a can of coffee Dl l l I I 1 r 

10. Mass of a jar of jelly ..) 

.::.:: ~ 

11. Mass of a half dozen apples UJ IJJ 

12. Temperature of a dairy products 

""' [J case "--.. ~ 13. Mass of an instant ice tea jar 

C) 14. Capacity of a coffee can r-- ~ 

15. Area of a checkout stand 1------

16. Temperature of a frozen food 

case 

17. Area of an end display unit 

01(3 CENTER F<>R VOCATOONAL EDUCATOON Exercise 7 
16 

UN

OBJECTIVE 

The student will recognize and use metric equivalents. 

• Given a metric unit, state an equivalent 

in a larger or smaller metric unit. 

SUGGESTED TEACHING SEQUENCE 

1. Make available the Information Sheets 

( 3 - 8) and the associated Exercises 

(8 - 14), one at a time. 

2. As soon as you have presented the 

Information, have the students complete 

each Exercise. 

3. Check their answers on the page titled 

ANSWERS TO EXERCISES AND 

TEST. 

4. Test performance by using Section B of 

"Testing :Metric Abilities." 

~R FOR VOCAT""'"'- WUCAT<ON 

METRIC-METRIC EQUIVALENTS 

Centimetres and Millimetres 

(rlll,llll''"''ll''l'''''''''l'''''''''l''''''"'l'''''''''l''''' 

1 2 3 4 5 6 (

fllllJIIlljlllljlllljlllljlllljlllljlllljlllljlllljlllljlllljlllljlll 

1 2 3 4 5 6 

Look at the picture of the nail next to the ruler. The nail is 57 mm long. This is 5 em+ 7 mm. 

There are 10 mm in each em, so 1 mm = 0.1 em (one-tenth of a centimetre). This means that 

7 mm = 0. 7 em, so 57 mm 5 em + 7 mm 

5 em+ 0.7 em 

= 5.7 em. Therefore 57 mm is the same as 5.7 em. 

Now measure the paper clip. It is 34 mm. This is the same as 3 em+ mm. Since each 

millimetre is 0.1 em (one-tenth of a centimetre), 4 mm = em. So, the paper clip is 

34 mm = 3 em+ 4 mm 

3 em+ 0.4 em 

= 3.4 em. This means that 34 mm is the same as 3.4 em. 

Information Sheet 3 

Now you try some. 

a ) 26mm = em e ) 132mm = em 

b) 583 mm ::: em f ) 802mm = em 

c ) 94mm = em g ) 1400 mm em 

d) 680 mm = em h) 2 307 mm em 

Exercise 8 
Metres, Centimetres, and Millimetres 

There are 100 centimetres in one metre. Thus, 

2m = 2 x 100 em = 200 em, 

3m = 3 x 100 em = 300 em, 

8 m = 8 x 100 em = 800 em, 

36m = 36 x 100 em = 3 600 em. 

There are 1 000 millimetres in one metre, so 

2 m = 2 x 1 000 mm = 2 000 mm, 

3 m = 3 x 1 000 mm = 3 000 mm, 

6 m = 6 x 1 000 mm = 6 000 mm, 

24 m = 24 x 1 000 mm = 24 000 mm. 

From your work with decimals you should know that 

one-half of a metre can be written 0.5 m (five-tenths of a metre), 

one-fourth of a centimetre can be written 0.25 em 

(twenty-five hundredths of a centimetre). 

This means that if you want to change three-fourths of a metre to 

milliinetres, you would multiply by 1 000. So 

0.75 m = 0.75 x 1 000 mm 

75 

100 x 1 OOOmm 

1 000 

75 x 100 mm 

75 x 10 mm 

750 mm. This means that 0.75 m = 750 mm. 

Information Sheet 4 

Fill in the following chart. 

metre centimetre millimetre 

m em mm 

1 100 1000 

2 200 

3 

9 

5 000 

74 

0.8 80 

0.6 600 

2.5 25 

148 

639 

G:3C.NUR O'OR VOCATOONAL .OUC~TOON Exercise 9 

Millilitres to Litres 

There are 1 000 millilitres in one litre. This means that 

2 000 millilitres is the same as 2 litres, 

3 000 ml is the same as 3 litres, 

4 000 ml is the same as 4 litres, 

12 000 ml is the same as 12 litres. 

17 

Since there are 1 000 millilitres in each litre, one way to change milli· 

litres to litres is to divide by 1 000. For example, 

1000 

Or 

1 000 ml = 1 000 litre = 1 litre. 

2 000 

2 000 ml = 1 OOO litres = 2 litres. 

And, as a final example, 

28 000 

28 000 ml = 1 000 litres = 28 litres. 

What if something holds 500 ml? How many litres is this? This is 

worked the same way, 

500 ml = 1 ~~~ litre = 0.5 litre (five-tenths of a litre ). So 500 ml 

is the same as one-half (0.5) of a litre. 

Change 57 millilitres to litres. 

57 ml = 1 ~~ litre = 0.057 litre (fifty-seven thousandths of a 

litre). 

Information Sheet 5 

Now you try some. Complete the following chart. 

millilitres litres 

(ml) (I) 

3 000 3 

6 000 

8 

14 000 

23 

300 0.3 

700 

0.9 

250 

0.47 

275 

Exercise 10 
18 

Li tres to M illili tres 

What do you do if you need to change litres to millilitres? Remember, 

there are 1 000 mil!ilitres in one litre, or 1 litre = 1 000 ml. 

So, 

2 litres = 2 x 1 000 ml = 2 000 ml, 

7 litres = 7 x 1 000 ml = 7 000 ml, 

13 litres =13 x 1 000 ml =13 000 ml, 

0.65 litre = 0.65 x 1 000 ml = 650 mi. 

Information Sheet 6 

Now you try some. Complete the following chart. 

litres millili tres 

I ml 

8 8 000 

5 

46 

32 000 

0.4 

0.53 

480 Exercise 11 

Grams to Kilograms 

There are 1 000 grams in one kilogram. This means that 

2 000 grams is the same as 2 kilograms, 

5 000 g is the same as 5 kg, 

700 g is the same as 0.7 kg, and so on. 

To change from grams to kilograms, you use the same procedure for 

changing from rnillilitres to litres. 

Information Sheet 7 

Try the following ones. 

grams kilogriuns 

g kg 

4 000 4 

9000 

23 000 

8 

300-

275 

~R""' VOCAT>ONAL EDUCATOON 

Exercise 12 

Kilograms to Grams I 

To change kilograms to grams, you multiply by 1 000. 

4 kg = 4 X 1 000 g = -! 000 g, 

23 kg = 23 X 1 000 g = 23 000 g, 

0.75 kg = 0.75 X 1 000 g = 750 g. 

Information Sheet 8 

Complete the following chart. 

kilograms grams 

kg g 

7 7 000 

11 

25 000 

0.4 

0.63 

175 Exercise 13 

Changing Units at Work 

Some of the things you use in this occupation may be measured in 

different metric units. Practice changing each of the following to 

metric equivalents by completing these statements. 

a ) 250 ml of wine is l 

b ) 2 500 g of sugar is kg 

c ) 0.25 litre of soft drin~_ is --------- ml 

d ) 1 kg of butter is g 

e ) 350 mm of meat wrap is em 

f ) 200 em display cooler is m 

g ) 0.5 kg jar of jelly is g 

h ) 3.5 m of foil is em 

i ) 1 m shelf is em 

j ) 400 ml of milk is l 

k ) 500 g of candy is kg 

l ) 0.5 t of potatoes is kg 

m) 10 m of display shelving is em 

n ) 20 em paper plate is mm 

o ) 2 400 mm display panel length is em 

Exercise 14 
UNIT 4 

OBJECTIVE 

The student will recognize and use 

instruments, tools, and devices for measurement tasks in this occupation. 

•Given metric and Customary tools, 

instruments, or devices, differentiate 

between metric and Customary. 

• Given a measurement task, select 

and use an appropriate tool, instrument or device. 

•Given a metric measurement task, 

judge the metric quantity within 20% 

and measure within 2% accuracy. 

SUGGESTED TEACHING SEQUENCE 

1. Assemble metric and Customary 

measuring tools and devices (rules, 

tapes, scales, °C thermometer, and 

measuring cups) and display in 

separate groups at learning stations. 

2. Have students examine metric tools and 

instruments for distinguishing characteristics and compare them with Customary 

tools and instruments. 

3. Have students verbally describe characteristics. 

4. Present or make available Information 

Sheet 9. 

5. Mix metric and Customary tools or 

equipment at learning station. Give 

students Exercises 15 and 16. 

6. Test performance by using Section C 

of "Testing Metric Abilities." 

o::3'•NTER "'" VOCATK>NAC <OUCATOON 

----------------------------------------------------------~19 

SELECTING AND USING 

METRIC INSTRUMENTS , TOOLS AND DEVICES 

Selecting an improper tool or misreading a scale can result in an improper sales form, 

stock shortage (overage) or overcharging or shortchanging the customer on purchases. For 

example, charging a customer for 5 kilograms (about 11 pounds) of apples when the customer has requested 5 pounds could result in an embarrassing situation. Here are some 

suggestions: 

1. Find out in advance whether Customary or metric units, tools, instruments, or 

products are needed for a given task. 

2. Examine the tool or instrument before using it. 

3. The metric system is a decimal system. Look for units marked off in whole 

numbers, tens or tenths, hundreds or hundredths. 

4. Look for metric symbols on the tools or gages such as m, mm, kg, g, 1. 

5. Look for decimal fractions (0.25) or decimal mixed fractions (2.50) rather 

than common fractions (3/8). 

6. Some products may have a special metric symbol such as a block M to show 

they are metric. 

7. Don't force devices which are not fitting properly. 

8. Practice selecting and using measuring devices. 

Information Sheet 9 
20 

WHICH TOOLS FOR THE JOB? MEASURING UP IN FOOD DISTRIBUTION 

Practice and prepare to demonstrate your ability to identify, For the tasks below, estimate the metric measurement to within 

select, and use metric-scaled tools and instruments for the tasks given 20% of actual measurement, and verify the estimation by measuring to 

below. You should be able to use the measurement tools to the appro- within 2% of actual measurement. 

priate precision of the tool, instrument, or task. 

Estimate Verify 

1. Measure the area of a produce department. 

1. Area of a produce department 

2. Determine the amount of liquid germicide needed in mixing 

a solution of floor cleaner. 2. Volume of liquid germicide needed 

to prepare a solution of floor 

3. Check the temperature of produce on display. cleaner 

4. Determine the mass of a sack of potatoes. 3. Temperature of produce on display 

5. Determine the number of display trays that will fit in a produce 

display cooler. 4. Mass of a cut of meat 

6. Determine the capacity of a produce bin. 5. Capacity of produce bin to hold 

display trays 

7. Calculate the amount of ammonia needed for cleaning store 

front windows. 6. Height and width of storage room 

door 

8. Space the shelving of a canned goods display. 

7. Length of shelving available for 

9. Determine the number of canned goods that can be displayed canned goods 

on a shelf. 

8. Capacity of canned goods that 

10. Determine the amount of cleaning powder to clean can be displayed on a shelf 

floors. 

9. Length of a main aisle 

11. Determine maximum height of an end aisle display. 10. Capacity of ice cream display 

case 

12. Check proper temperature of frozen food display. 

11. Maximum height of an island 

13. Deterb:rine the minimum distance between aisles. merchandise display 

14. Check the temperature of dry storage area. 12. Area of a parking lot 

13. Volume of warehouse 

a3 CENTER roo VOCAnoNAC EDUCATOON 

Exercise 15 Exercise 16 
UNIT 5 

OBJECTIVE 

The student will recognize and use metric 

and Customary units interchangeably in ordering, selling, and using products and supplies in 

this occupation. 

• Given a Customary (or metric) measurement, find the metric (or Customary) 

equivalent on a conversion table. 

• Given a Customary unit, state the replacement unit. 

SUGGESTED TEACHING SEQUENCE 

1. Assemble packages and containers of 

materials. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Present or make available Information 

Sheet 10 and Table 3. 

Have students find approximate metricCustomary equivalents by using 

Exercise 17. 

Test performance by using Section D of 

"Testing Metric Abilities." 

~".UR 'OR VOCATOONAC WUCATOON 

------------------------------------------------------------------

METRIC-CUSTOMARY EQUIVALENTS 

During the transition period there will be a need for finding equivalents between systems. 

Conversion tables list calculated equivalents between the two systems. When a close equivalent 

is needed, a conversion table can be used lo find it. Follow these steps: 

1. Determine which conversion table is needed. 

21 

2. Look up the known number in the appropriate column; if not listed, find numbers you 

can add together to make the total of the known number. 

3. Read the equivalent(s) from the next column. 

Table 3 on the next page gives an example of a metric-Customary conversion table which 

you can use for practice in finding approximate equivalents. Table 3 can be used with Exercise 

17, Part 2 and Part 3. 

Below is a table of metric-Customary equivalents which tells you what the metric replacements for Customary units are.* This table can be used with Exercise 17, Part 1 and Part 3. The 

symbol ~ means "nearly equal to." 

1 em ~ 0.39 inch 

1 m ~ 3.28 feet 

1m~ 1.09 yards 

1 km ~ 0.62 mile 

1 cm2 ~ 0.16 sq in 

1 m2 :::::: 10.8 sq ft 

1m2 ~ 1.2 sq yd 

1 hectare~ 2.5 acres 

1 cm3 ~ 0.06 cu in 

1 m3 :::::: 35.3 cu ft 

1 m3 :::::: 1.3 cu yd 

1 inch ~ 2.54 em 

1 foot ~ 0.305 m 

1 yard ~ 0.91 m 

1 mile ~ 1.61 km 

1 sq in~ 6.5 cm2 

1 sq ft ~ 0.09 m2 

1 sq yd ~ 0.8 m 2 

1 acre ~ 0.4 hectare 

1 cu in~ 16.4 cm3 

1 cu ft ~ 0.03 m3 

1 cu yd ~ 0. 8 m 3 

1 ml ~ 0.2 tsp 

1 ml ~ 0.07 tbsp 

11 ~ 33.8 fl oz 

11 ~ 4.2 cups 

11 ~ 2.1 pts 

11 ~ 1.06 qt 

11 ~ 0.26 gal 

1 gram ~ 0.035 oz 

1 kg~ 2.2 lb 

.1 metric ton ~ 2205 lb 

1 kPa ~ 0.145 psi 

1 tsp:::::: 5 ml 

1 tbsp:::::: 15 ml 

1 fl oz :::::: 29.6 ml 

1 cup:::::: 237 ml 

1 pt:::::: 0.47 1 

1 qt:::::: 0.95 1 

1gal:::::3.79l 

1 oz:::::: 28.3 g 

1lb ~ 0.45 kg 

1 ton:::::: 907.2 kg 

1 psi :::::: 6.895 kPa 

*Adapted from Let's Measure Metric. A Teacher's Introduction to Metric Measurement. Division of Educational 

Redesign and Renewal, Ohio Department of Education, 65 S. Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215, 197 5. 

Information Sheet 10 
22 

CONVERSION TABLES 

GRAM TO OUNCE OUNCE TO GRAM 

CULINARY MEASURES 

TO METRIC (APPROXIMATE) 

I 011. I 011. I orz. orz. I orz. I Ounces (fluid) MiDllitrea 

100 3.53 10 0.35 1 0.04 10 283 1 28 1/6 (1 t.p.) 5 

1/2 (1 Tbs.) 15 

200 7.05 20 0.71 2 0.07 20 567 2 57 1 30 

300 10.58 30 1.06 3 0.11 30 850 3 85 2 {1/4 cup) 60 

3 90 

400 14.11 40 1.41 4 0.14 40 1134 4 113 4 (1/2 cup) 120 

5 150 

500 17.64 50 1.76 5 0.18 50 1417 5 142 6 (3/4 cup) 180 

600 21.16 60 2.12 6 0 .21 60 1701 6 170 7 210 

8 (1 cup) 240 

700 24.70 70 2.47 7 0.25 70 1984 7 198 16 (2 cups = 1 pint) 480 

24 (3 cups) 720 

800 28.22 80 2.82 8 0.28 80 2268 8 227 32 (4 cups = 1 quart) 950 (0.951) 

900 31.75 90 3.17 9 0.32 90 2551 9 255 64 (8 cups = 1/2 gallon) 1920 (1.91) 

128 (16 cups = 1 gallon) 3840 (3.81) 

1000 35.27 

KILOGRAM TO POUND POUND TO KILOGRAM MILLILITRES TO FLUID OUNCES FLUID OUNCES TO MILLILITRES 

kg lb. kg lb. lb. kg lb. kg ml fl. oz. ml fl. oz. ml fl. oz. fl. oz. ml fl. oz. ml fl. oz. ml 

10 22.0 1 2.2 10 4.5 1 0.5 100 3.4 10 .3 1 .03 10 295.7 1 29.6 .10 3 

20 44.1 2 4.4 20 9.1 2 0.9 200 6.8 20 .7 2 .07 20 591.5 2 59.2 .2 6 

30 66.1 3 6.6 30 13.6 3 1.4 300 10.1 30 1.0 3 .10 30 887.2 3 88.7 .3 9 

40 88.2 4 8.8 40 18.1 4 1.8 400 13.5 40 1.4 4 .14 40 1182.9 4 118.3 A 12 

50 110.2 5 11.0 50 22.7 5 2.3 500 16.9 50 1.7 5 .17 50 1478.7 5 147.9 .5 15 

60 132.3 6 13.2 60 27.2 6 2.7 600 20.3 60 2.0 6 .20 60 1774.4 6 177.4 .6 18 

70 154.3 7 15.4 70 31.8 7 3.2 700 23.7 70 2.4 7 .24 70 2070.2 7 207.0 .7 21 

80 176.4 8 17.6 80 36.3 8 3.6 800 27.1 80 2.7 8 .27 80 2365.9 8 236.6 .8 24 

90 198.4 9 19.8 90 40.8 9 4.1 900 30.4 90 3.0 9 .30 90 2661.6 9 266.2 .9 27 

100 220.5 100 45.4 

5 ml (4.9 ml) = 1 teupoon 1 teupoon = 5 mi (4.9 ml) 

15 ml (14.8 ail)= 1 table.poon 1 table!pOOD = 15 ml (14.8 mJ) 

Table 3 
ANY WAY YOU WANT IT 

1. You are working in a supermarket. With the change to metric 

measurement some of the things you order, sell or use are marked 

only in metric units. You will need to be familiar with appropriate 

Customary equivalents in order to communicate with customers 

and suppliers who use Customary units. To develop your skill use 

the Table on Information Sheet 10 and give the approximate 

metric quantity (both number and unit) for each of the following 

Customary quantities. 

Customary Quantity 

a ) 5 lbs. bag of sugar 

b ) 3 qts. of strawberries 

c ) 8 oz. jar of jelly 

d ) 1 gal. of bleach 

e ) 18 in. x 27 in. produce tray 

f ) 20 sq. ft. of display space 

g ) 16 oz. can of fruit drink 

h ) 1 qt. bottle of soft drink 

) one 10 lb. sack of potatoes 

) 27 cu. yd. of storage 

k ) 6 ft. long display case 

1 ) 4 oz. of butter 

m) 3 miles 

n ) 1lb. can of coffee 

o ) 5 acre parking lot 

Metric Quantity 

2. Use the conversion tables from Table 3 to convert the following: 

a )14 oz. 

b )3 g 

g 

oz. 

lc) 9kg 

d) 6 fl. oz. 

lbs. 

ml 

e ) 16 fl. oz. ml h ) 480 ml = fl. oz. 

f ) 180 ml = fl. oz. i ) 1 kg lbs. 

g ) 15 lbs. = kg j ) 32 fl. oz. ml 

3. Complete the Requisition Form using the items listed. Convert 

the Customary quantities to metric before filling out the form. 

Complete all the information (Date, For, etc.). 

Requisition the following items: 

a ) Twenty 10 lb. bags of sugar 

b ) Six cases of twelve 32 oz. bottles of pop 

c ) One hundred 9 in. by 12 in. blank sign cards 

d ) Four cases of twelve 1 gal. bottles of liquid bleach 

REQUISITION 

Date --------

For ----------------------

No . __________ Date Wanted 

Deliver to -------------------

QTY UNIT 

Requested by 

Approved by 

ITEM 

Exercise 17 

23 
24 

SECfiON A 

1. One kilogram is about the mass 

of a: 

[AI nickel 

[ B] apple seed 

[ C] basketball 

(D 1 Volkswagen "Beetle" 

2. A square metre is about the 

area of: 

[A ] this sheet of paper 

[B] a card table top 

[ C] a bedspread 

[D] a postage stamp 

3. Bulk order quantities of liquid 

germicide are given in : 

[A] kilometres 

[B] litres 

[ C] kilograms 

[D) metres 

4. Meats are sold by the: 

[A ] millilitre 

[ B] milligram 

[ C ] kilogram 

[D] kilolitre 

5. The correct way to write twenty 

grams is: 

[A] 20 gms 

[B] 20 Gm. 

[C] 20 g. 

(D] 20 g 

6. The correct way to write twelve 

thousand millimetres is: 

[A] 12,000 mm. 

[B] 12.000 mm 

(C] 12 OOOmm 

(D] 12 000 mm 

SECTIONB 

7. A tray 250 millimetres long is: 

[A ] 50 metres 

[B] 25 centimetres 

[ C] 50 centimetres 

[D] 25 metres 

8. A 1 500 gram steak is: 

[A] 25litres 

[B] 500 kilograms 

[C 1 1.5 kilograms 

[D] 15 kilograms 

SECTIONC 

9. To measure millilitres you 

would use a: 

[A] tape 

[B 1 measuring cup 

[C] scale 

[D] ruler 

10. For measuring grams you 

would use a: 

[A] scale 

[B] tape 

[ C ] measuring cup 

[D] ruler 

o::::3'ENnR '"" VOCATIONAC EOUCATOON 

11. Estimate the length of the line 

segment below: 

[A] 23 grams 

[B] 6 centimetres 

[C] 40 millimetres 

[D] 14 pascals 

12. Estimate the length of the line 

segment below : 

f---1 

[A] 10 millimetres 

(B] 4 centimetres 

[C] 4 pascals 

[D] 23 milligrams 

SECTION D 

13. The metric unit which replaces 

the fluid ounce is: 

[A] gram 

(B] kilo litre 

[C) millilitre 

[D) milligram 

14. The metric unit which replaces 

the pound is: 

[A] litre 

[B] kilolitre 

[C] kilogram 

[D) milligram 

g 

100 

200 

300 

400 

500 

600 

700 

800 

900 

Use this conversion table to answer questions 15 and 16. 

oz. g 

3 .53 10 

7 .05 20 

10.58 30 

14.11 40 

17.64 50 

21.16 60 

24.70 70 

28.22 80 

31.75 90 

15. The equivalent of 450 g is: 

[A] 15.55 oz. 

[B] 4.50 oz. 

[C] 15.87 oz. 

[D) 45.0 oz. 

16. The equivalent of 150 g is: 

(A] 15.0 oz. 

(B) 6.29 oz. 

[C) 1.50 oz. 

[D] 5.29 oz. 

oz. 

0 .35 

0.71 

1.05 

1.41 

1.76 

2.12 

2.47 

2.82 

3.17 

TESTING METRIC ABILITIES 
ANSWERS TO EXERCISES AND TEST 

EXERCISES 1 THRU 6 

The answers depend on the items 

used for the activities. 

EXERCISE 7 

Currently accepted metric units of 

measurement for each question are 

shown in Table 2. Standards in each 

occupation are being established 

now, so answers may vary. 

EXERCISE 8 

a) 2.6 em 

b) 58.3 em 

c) 9.4 em 

d) 68.0 em 

e) 13.2 em 

f) 80.2 em 

g) 140.0 em 

h) 230.7 em 

EXERCISES 9 THRU 13 

Tables are reproduced in total. Answers are in parentheses. 

Exercise 9 

metre centimetre millimetre 

m em mm 

1 100 1 000 

2 200 (2 000) 

3 (300) (3 000) 

9 (900) (9 0001_ 

(5) (500) 5 000 

74 (7 400) (74 000) 

0.8 80 (800) 

0.6 (60) 600 

(0.025) 2.5 25 

(0.148) (14.8) 148 

(6.39) 639 (6 390) 

~'NT'R >OR VOC ATOO NAC WUC A,ON 

Exercise 10 

rnillilitres 

ml 

3 000 

6 000 

(8 000) 

(14000) 

(23 000) 

300 

700 

(900) 

250 

(470) 

275 

Exercise 11 

litres 

1 

8 

5 

46 

(32) 

0.4 

0.53 

(0.48) 

Exereise 12 

grams 

g 

4 000 

9 000 

23 000 

(8 000) 

300 

275 

litres 

1 

3 

(6) 

8 

(14) 

23 

0.3 

(0.7) 

0.9 

(0 251 

0.47 

(0.275) 

millilitres 

ml 

8 000 

(5 000) 

(46 000) 

32 000 

(400) 

(530) 

480 

kilograms 

kg 

4 

(9) 

(23) 

8 

(0.3) 

(0.275) 

Exercise 13 

kilograms 

kg 

7 

11 

(25) 

0.4 

0.63 

(0 .175) 

Exercise 14 

a ) 0.25 litre 

b) 2.5 kg 

e) 250 ml 

d) 1 000 g 

e) 35 em 

f) 2m 

g ) 500 g 

h) 350 em 

grams 

g 

7 000 

(11 000) 

25 000 

(400) 

(630) 

175 

i ) 100 em 

j ) 0.4 litre 

k) 0.5 kg 

1 ) 500 kg 

m) 1 000 em 

n) 200 mm 

o) 240 em 

EXERCISES 15 AND 16 

The answers depend on the 

items used for the activities. 

EXERCISE 17 

Part 1. 

a ) 225 kg h) 

b) 2.85 litres i ) 

c ) 236.8 ml j ) 

d) 3.79 litres k) 

e ) 45.72 em x I ) 

68.58 em m) 

f ) 1.8 m2 n) 

g ) 473.6 ml 0) 

0.95 litre 

4.5 kg 

21.6 m3 

1.83 m 

113.2 g 

4.83 km 

0.45 kg 

2 ha 

25 

Part 2. 

a ) 396 g 

b) 0.11 oz. 

e ) 19.8lbs. 

d) 177.4 ml 

e ) 473.1 ml 

f ) 6.1 fl. oz. 

g) 6.8 kg 

Part 3. 

a) 4.5 kg 

b) 946.4 ml 

h ) 16.2 fl. oz. 

) 2.2 lbs. 

j ) 946.4 ml 

c ) 22.86 em by 30.48 em 

d ) 3. 79 litres 

TESTING METRIC ABILITIES 

1. C 9. B 

2. B 10. A 

3. B 11. B 

4. C 12. A 

5. D 13. C 

6. D 14. C 

7. B 15. C 

8. C 16. D 

-{;:{ U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1976· 757-069/6222 Region No. 5-11 
SUGGESTED METRIC TOOLS AND DEVICES 

NEEDED TO COMPLETE MEASUREMENT TASKS 

IN EXERCISES 1 THROUGH 5 

(* Optional) 

UNEAR MASS 

Metre Sticks Bathroom Scale 

Rules, 30 em *Kilogram Scale 

Measuring Tapes, 150 em *Platform Spring Scale 

*Height Measure 5 kg Capacity 

*Metre Tape, 10m 10 kg Capacity 

*Trundle Wheel Balance Scale with 8-piece 

*Area Measuring Grid mass set 

*Spring Scale, 6 kg Capacity 

VOLUME/CAPACITY TEMPERATURE 

*Nesting Measures, set of 5, Celsius Thermometer 50 ml - 1 000 ml 

Economy Beaker, set of 6, 

50 ml - 1 000 ml 

Metric Spoon, set of 5, 

1 ml- 25 ml 

Dry Measure, set of 3, 

50, 125, 250 ml 

Plastic Litre Box 

Centimetre Cubes 

The Oh•o State Untvers•tv • 1960 Kenny Road • Columbus Ohto 43210 

SUGGESTED METRIC TOOLS AND DEVICES 

NEEDED TO COMPLETE OCCUPATIONAL 

MEASUREMENT TASKS 

In this occupation the tools needed to complete Exercises 6, 

15, and 16 are indicated by''*·" 

A. 

B. 

c. 

D. 

E. 

* F. 

G. 

H. 

I. 

J. 

K. 

L. 

M. 

* N. 

0. 

Assorted Metric Hardware- Hex nuts, washers, screws, 

cotter pins, etc. 

Drill Bits-Individual bits or sets, 1 mm to 13 mm range 

Vernier Caliper-Pocket slide type, 120 mm range 

Micrometer--Outside micrometer caliper, 0 mm to 25 mm 

range 

Feeler Gage-13 blades, 0.05 mm to 1 mm range 

Metre Tape-50 or 100m tape 

Thermometers- Special purpose types such as a clinical 

thermometer 

1 Temperature Devices- Indicators used for ovens,. freezing/ 

cooling systems, etc. 

Tools- Metric open end or box wrench sets, socket sets, 

hex key sets 

Weather Devices- Rain gage, barometer, humidity, wind 

velocity indicators 1 Pressure Gages- Tire pressure, air, oxygen, hydraulic, fuel, 

etc. 

1 Velocity- Direct reading or vane type meter 

Road Map- State and city road maps 

Containers-Buckets, plastic containers, etc., for mixing 

and storing liquids 

Containers- Boxes, buckets, cans, etc., for mixing and 

storing dry ingredients 

Most of the above items may be obtained from local industrial, 

hardware, and school suppliers. Also, check with your school district's 

math and science departments and/or local industries for loan of their 

metric measurement devices. 

1 Measuring devices currently are not available. Substitute devices (i.e., thermometer) 

may be used to complete the mea~urement task. 

Tools and Devices List