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 Plumbing and Pipefitting

- Trying Out Metric Units

- Plumbing and Fitting With Metrics

- Metric Piping Dimensions

12

12

12

12

13

14

15

16

Unit 3

- Objective

- Suggested Teaching Sequence

- Metric-Metric Equivalents

- Changing Units at Work

17

17

17

17

19

Unit 4

- Objective

- Suggested Teaching Sequence

- Selecting and Using Metric Instruments, Tools and Devices

- Which Tools for the Job? 

- Measuring Up in Pipe Fitting

20

20

20

20

21

21

Unit 5

- Objective

- Suggested Teaching Sequence

- Metric-Customary Equivalents

- Conversion Tables

- Any Way You Want It

22

22

22

22

23

24

Testing Metric Abilities 25

Answers to Exercises and Test 27

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 jol?-related metric equivalents and their relationships. 

Unit 4 provides experience with recogmzmg and using metric 

instru~s 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 

Th1s publication was developed pursuant to contract No . OEC-0-74 -9335 w1th the 

Bureau of Occupat ional and Ad ult Educat ion , U .S. Depa rtment of Heal t h , Educa· 

r ion and Welfare . However, the op ini ons expressed herein do not necessarily 

reflect the posit 1on or policy of the U .S. Office of Education and no offic ial 

endorsemen t b y the U S Office o f 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 

(rulE:s, 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. Recognize 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% 

o f 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 

(cm 2 ) 

square 

metre 

(m2·) 

the area of 

a given surface 

EXERCISES 

Volume or Capacity 

(pp. 7 . 8) 

cubic centimetre (cm3 ) 

cubic metre 

(m3) 

litre (I) 

millilitre(ml) 

capacity of 

containers 

measurements 

on graduated 

volume measuring devices 

Mass 

(pp. 9. 10) 

gram (g) 

kilogram (kg) 

the mass of objects 

in grams and kilo· 

grams 

a kilogram scale 

and a gram scale 

Temperature 

(p. 11) 

degree Celsius 

(oC) 

the temperature of 

the air or a liquid 

A Celsius thermometer 

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

5. 

6. 

7. 

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

digits (45 271 kmnot 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 mm Thickness of dime or paper 

clip wire 

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

centimetre em Width of paper clip 1 000 = 103 kilo (k-ilo) k 

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

kilometre km 12-rninute walking distance 10 = 10 1 deka (dek'a) da 

Area square Area of this space 

D centimetre 2 em 

Base Unit 1 = 10° 

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

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

square metre m 2 Area of card table top 0.001 = 10 - 3 rnilli ( mil'i) m 

hectare ha Football field including sidelines 

and end zones 0.000 001 = 10-6 micro (mi'kro) J.1. 

Volume and millilitre ml Teaspo on is 5 ml 

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

cubic 

centimetre em 3 Volume of this container 

CD 

cubic metre m 3 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 kilolll"ams) 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 yourself at that end . 

THAT IS HOW LONG A l\1ETRE IS! 

~CENT<R '0R VOCATION"'- WUCATOON 

3. Choose a partner to stand 

at your side. Move apart 

so that you can put one 

end of a metre stick on 

your partner's shoulder 

and the other end on 

your shoulder. Look at 

the space betwe~n you. 

THAT IS THE WIDTH OF A l\1ETRE! 

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 :MEASURE:MENT 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. 

Estimate 

(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 metrPs and 

3 centimetres, you write 403 em ( ( 4 x 100 em) + 3 em = 400 em 

+ 3 em] . 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR THE SIZE OF A CENTIMETRE 

1. Hold the metric ruler against t he 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. What 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 estimate 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? 

a3 CENTER FOR VOCATION~ 'OUCATOON 

III. THE WLLIMETRE (mm) 

There are 10 millimetres in one cPntimPtrP. VJhen a measurPment 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 1 m . 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR THE SIZE OF. A MILLIMETRE 

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'v1ATE 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) 

How Close 

Measurement Were You? 

(mm) 

· 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 IT TAKES TO 

COVER THE SURF ACE. 

I. THE SQUARE CENTIMETRE (cm2 ) 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR A SQUARE CENTii\1ETRE 

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 centi-

. metres. Length em; width em. 

l\1ultiply to find the area tn square centimetres. 

em x em = cm2 • How ----

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

~NTER >OR VOCATOONAL EDUCATOON 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTIMATE IN SQUARE 

CENTIMETRES 

You are now ready to develop your abiiity 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. 

5 

Estimate 

(cm2 ) 

Measurement 

(cm2 ) 

How Close 

Were You? 

1. Index card. 

2. Book cover. 

3. Photograph. 

4. \Vindow pane or 

desk top. 

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 corner. 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 

proc.edures 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 MEASUREME1-..jT ACTIVITIES 

Cubic Centimetre, Litre, Millilitre, Cubic Metre 

I. THE CUBIC CENTIMETRE ( cm3 ) 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR THE CUBIC CENTil\ilETRE 

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 :rnany cubes fit in the row? ___ _ 

b. Place another ROW of cubes against an adjoining side 

of the box. How 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. l\1easure 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.? 

~EN<£R FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCA.TOON 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTil\lA TE 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 (1) 

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 nex t page) 
8 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTI~1ATE IN LITRES 

You are now ready to develop your ability to estimate in 

litres. To write two and one-half litres, 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 ""-rite 

2.751, or 2.75 litres. 

For each of the following items, use the procedures for 

estimating in metres. 

Estimate :Measurement 

(I) (l) 

1. Medium-size 

freezer container. 

2. Large freezer 

container. 

3. Small freezer 

container. 

4. Bottle or jug. 

How Close 

Were You? 

III. THE MILLILITRE (ml) 

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 cm3 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 i:-ice. Pour the rice into a third 

pile on the paper. 

THAT IS 15 MILLILITRES, OR ONE TABLESPOON! 

o::3'·~·R 'OR VOCATOONAC WUCATOON 

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 l'v1ETRE! 

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. 

·NTER '"" VOCATOONAC <DUCATOO. 

1. 1 kilogram box. 

2. Textbook. 

3. Bag of sugar. 

4. Package of paper. 

5. Your own mass. 

l\1ass 

(kg) 

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: 

Bag of rice. 

Bag of nails. 

Large. purse or 

briefcase. 

Another person. 

A few books. 

Estimate Measurement 

(kg) (kg) 

How Close 

Were You? 

Exercise 4 

(continued on next page) 

9 
10 

II. THE GRAM (g) 

A. DEVELOP A FEELING FOR A GRAl\ii 

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 and 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! 

a:3C .. mR mR VOCATOONAC WUCM,ON 

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) 

How Close 

Measurement Were You? 

(g) 

Exercise 4 
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT ACTIVITIES 

Degree Celsius 

I. DEGREE CELSIUS (

0C) 

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. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Find 0 degrees. 

WATER FREEZES AT ZERO DEGREES CELSIUS (0°C) 

WATER BOILS AT 100 DEGREES CELSIUS (100°C) 

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

room cool, warm, or about right? 

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? 

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? 

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 TEMPERATURE IS 37 DEGREES 

CELSIUS (37°C). 

A FEVER IS 39°C. 

A VERY HIGH FEVER IS 40°C. 

B. DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO ESTil\1ATE 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 measurements are . 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Mix some hot and 

cold water in a 

container. Dip your 

finger into the 

water. 

Pour out some of 

the water. Add some 

hot water. Dip your 

finger quickly into 

the water. 

Outdoor temperature. 

Sunny window sill. 

:lvlix 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 

terms, 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." 

a3 CENT>R ron VOCATOONA' WUCATOON 

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 jobrelat ed 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 

METRIC UNITS FOR PLUMBING AND PIPEFITTING 

Quantity Unit Symbol Use 

Linear dimensions millimetre mm size of pipe and fittings 

centimetre em lengths of pipe, fixtures 

metre m 

Surface and space dimensions square centimetre cm2 safe pan area, pipe chase areas, wall 

sleeve space, fixtures 

square metre m2 roof drains, floor drains, interceptors 

Mass gram g chemicals 

kilogram kg fixtures, pipe, fittings, chemicals 

metric ton t boilers, solar panels 

Excavation cubic metre 3 m trench construction, septic tank 

chemicals and solvents; pressure tanks, 

Capacity millilitre ml expansion taDks 

litre I water storage tanks, chemicals 

F1ow rates millilitres per second ml/s pipe sizes for systems, circulating pumps, 

automatic gas valves 

litres per second 1/s 

Velocity of flow millilitres per second ml/s frictional loss in pipe, fittings, equipment. 

softener backwash requirements 

litres per second 1/s 

main and service pressure, hot water 

Pressure kilopascal kPa heating, water system design, calculating 

pump sizes (400 kPa about the "force" 

of water from a faucet) 

kilopascals per second kPa/s pressure drops in systems 

Heat energy kilojoule kJ amount of heat necessary to produce 

hot water and steam 

Temperature degree Celsius oc solar panels, hot water heating, hot 

water heaters, boilers, steam 

a:3C<NTER O'OR VOCATIONAL EDUCATOON 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. Measuring cup (metric) 

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

17. Milk container 

Estimate Actual 

18. Bucket 

Length 19. 1. Palm width Small box 

2. 20. Toolbox Hand span 

3. 21. Toilet tank 

Ceiling height of this room 

4. Width of paper clip 22. Hot water tank 

5. Thickness of nickel Mass 

23. Textbook 

6. Width of this room - 24. Yourself 

7. Diameter of small pipe 

25. Cold chisel 

8. Length of full joint of pipe 26. A litre of water (net) 

9. Length of pipe wrench 

27. Roll of 50/50 solder 

Area 

10. Desk top 28. Bar of caulking lead 

11. Classroom floor Temperature 

29. Melting point of tin 

12. Workbench 30. Room 

13 .. Sheet of paper 31. Outside 

14. Parking lot 32 . Hot tap water 

Volume/Capacity 33. Cold tap water 15. Small bottle 

~·NnR""' VOCATOONA\. WUCATOON Exercise 6 
15 

_PLUMBING AND FITTING WITH METRICS 

It is important to know what metric measurement to use. Show 15. Amount of water in a water what measurement to use in the following situations. closet tank 

1. Capacity of a boiler expansion tank 

16. Flow rate for a drinking 

2. Proper spacing for horizontal pipe fountain or water cooler 

supports 

3. Center-to-center distance of 

17. Temperature of hot water 

assembled pipe 

18. Automatic gas valve flow 

4. End-to-center distance of assembled rate 

pipe 

5. End-to-hack distance of assembled 19. Amount of heat required 

pipe for steam production 

6. Air-pressure test assembled pipe 20. Area of floor drain 

7. Volume of water heater 

8. Flow rate for a supply-return 

21. Mass of a fixture 

fitting 

22. Natural gas pressure 

9. Amount of concrete for boiler 

setting pad 

23. Flueliner size 

10. Amount of insulation for 

sectional boiler 24. Coverage of fire sprinkler 

head 

11. Capacity of propane cylinder 

12. Volume of lead pot 

13. Rough-in height of wall hung 

lavatory 

14. Proper spacing for domestic 

hot and cold water lines 

~CENTER O'OR VOCATK>NAL WUCATOON Exercise 7 
16 

METRIC PIPING DIMENSIONS 

r ~ 

!52mm 

___1_-~+---~ ---- ------~~ 

CLOSET 8END 2.4 m C-C 

IOOmm Die/. Ope-ning I 

'\ I 38mm JAPED OPENING 

, 

J 

PIPE MEA,SUP.EM ENT .CENTER 70 CENTER (C - C) 

I 85cm 

C-C 

(/:_ I {of ftg ope-nin3 !3mm 1 

\~ Umc--c--..-+-----98cmc--c j 

a3 CENTS< FOft VOCATIONAL EDUCATOON 

~ 

') 

I 

I 

' I 

r 

I 

64mm ....,. - Pipe 

J 

\__ 

( 

I 

\__ 

['---

64 mm Opening 

180 mm Flange Face 

Diagram 1 
17 

OBJECTIVE 

The student will recognize and use metric equivalents. 

• Givena 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." 

o:::3 C£NT£R roR VOCATOONAC <OUCAT<ON 

METRIC-METRIC EQUIVALENTS 

Centimetres and Millimetres 

(

flljlllljlllljlllljlllljllllj lllljllllj ''''l''''j lllljlllljllllj 

1 2 3 4 5 6 

(]lllljl II ljlllljllll j lllljillljlllljlllljlllljllll j llllllllljlllljlll 

I' 1 2 3 4 s 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 mrn = 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 

e ) 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 1 00 em = 800 em, 

36 m = 36 x 1 00 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 

millimetres, you would multiply by 1 000. So 

0.75 m = 0.75 x 1 000 mm 

75 

100 x 1 000 mm 

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 1 000 

2 200 

3 

9 

5 000 

74 

0.8 80 

0.6 600 

2.5 25 

1-!8 

639 

~ENTER 'OR VOCATOONAL EOUCATOON 

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, 

-! 000 ml is the same as -t litres, 

12 000 ml is the same as 12 litres. 

18 

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

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

1 000 

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 OOO 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 

1-1 000 

23 

300 0.3 

700 

0.9 

250 

0..!7 

275 

Exercise 10 
Litres to Millilitres 

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

there are 1 000 millilitres 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 millilitres 

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 millilitres to litres. 

Information Sheet 7 

Try the following ones. 

grams kilograms 

g kg 

4 000 4 

9 000 

23 000 

8 

auu 

275 

~NTEA "'"VOCATIONAL EDUCAT""' 

Exercise 12 

Kilograms to Grams 

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

-f kg = -f X 1 000 g = -f 000 g, 

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

0.75 kg = 0.75 X 1 000 g = /50 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 foll owing to 

metric equivalents by completing these statements. 

a ) 500 em of rope is------------

b ) 250 ml of solution is - ------ --- - c ) 5 em diameter pipe is 

d ) 2 500 g of lead is -------- - ---

e ) 120 mm pipe is ----- - - ------ f )0.25 litre of cutting oil is 

g ) 2 000 kg of sand is. _______ ___ _ 

h ) 0.5 litre of concentrate is - - - - - - ---

i ) 2 m board is 

j ) 500 g of solder is ------------ k ) 500 ml pipe compound is 

l ) 0.5 t of cement is ________ ____ _ 

m)lOmofwireis - ----------- -

n ) 2.5 em diameter pipe is ----------

o ) 2 400 mm wall panel length is ------- p ) 2 500 g of asbestos is __________ _ 

m 

l 

mm 

kg 

em 

ml 

t 

ml 

m m 

kg 

l 

kg 

em 

m m 

em 

kg 

Exercise 14 

19 
20 

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, scales, ° C 

thermometer, drill bits, wrenches, micrometer, vernier calipers, feeler gages) 

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::::3CENTER 'OR VOCATK>NAL EOUCATOON 

SELECTING AND USING 

METRIC INSTRUMENTS , TOOLS AND DEVICES 

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

damaged materials, or injury to self or fellow workers. For example, putting 207 pounds 

per square inch of pressure (psi) in a boiler designed for 207 kilopascals (about 30 psi) 

could cause a fatal accident. 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 d-ecimal 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, kPa, etc. 

5. Look for decimal fractions (0.25) or decimal mixed fractions (2. 50) rather than common fractions ( 3/8) on drill bits, feeler gages, etc. 

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

metric. 

7. Don't force bolts, wrenches, or other devices which are not fitting properly. 

8. Practice selecting and using tools, instruments, and devices. 

Information Sheet 9 
21 

WHICH TOOLS FOR THE JOB? 

Practice and prepare to demonstrate your ability to identify, 

select, and use metric-scaled tools and instruments for the tasks given 

below. You should be able to use the measurement tools to the appropriate precision of the tool, instrument, or task. 

Select and demonstrate or describe use of tools, instruments, or 

devices to: 

1. Order pre-mixed concrete for a sidewalk as long as your 

classroom and 1 m wide and 10 em thick. 

2. From a piece of steel pipe 2m in length, cut, thread, and 

assemble a piece of pipe and two 90° elbows to a fitted 

length of 1.2 m. 

3. Unbolt an assembled pair of standard companion flanges. 

4. Cut a new gasket for an assembled pair of standard companion flanges and re-assemble. 

5. Describe the difference between a Cust omary and a metric 

pipe wrench. 

6. Measure the normal water pressure of your building. 

7. Measure the. Normal Water Pressure of your building. 

8. Unbolt an assembled pair of standard companion 

flanges. 

9. Hang a lavatory the correct height. 

10. Measure correct amount of solder to use in 

soldering a 2.54 em joint. 

NTER 'OR VOCAnoNAC EDUC AT<DN 

Exercise 15 

MEASURING UP IN PIPE FITTING 

For the tasks below, estimate the metric measurement to 

within 20% of actual measurement, and verify the estimation 

by measuring to within 2% of actual measurement. 

Estimate 

1. Work space or bench large 

enough for pipe assembly. 

2. Volume of a tool box. 

3. Volume of a gang box. 

4. Amount of cast iron soil pipe 

necessary to extend 1 m beyond 

both sides of classroom. 

-

5. Pipe covering for assembled 

pipe I 

6. Construct two parallel lines of 

pipe and connect together with 

45° offset. 

7. Insulation for fittings on 

assembled pipe 

8. Amount of radiation necessary 

for this room 

9. Find the largest available 

entry into classroom 

10. Volume of a 680 kg pressure 

tank 

Verify 

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." 

o::3C>NHR "'" VOCA>OQNAC WUCAnON 

------------------------------------------------------------------ 22 

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 to find it. Follow these steps: 

1. Determine which conversion table is needed. 

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 equai to." 

1 em""'=' 0.39 inch 

1 m ""'=' 3.28 feet 

1 m ""'=' 1.09 yards 

1 km ""'=' 0.62 mile 

1 cm2 ""=' 0.16 sq in 

1 m 2 ""=' 10.8 sq ft 

1 m2 ""'=' 1.2 sq yd 

1 hectare ""'=' 2. 5 acres 

1 cm3 ""'=' 0.06 cu in 

1 m3 ""=' 35.3 cu ft 

1 m 3 ""=' 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 

1sqft""'='0.09m2 

1 sq yd ""=' 0.8 m 2 

1 acre ""'=' 0.4 hectare 

1 cu in""'=' 16.4 cm3 

1 cu ft ""'=' 0.03 m 3 

1 cu yd ""'=' 0.8 m3 

1 ml ""'=' 0.2 tsp 

1 ml ""'=' 0.07 tbsp 

1 l """' 33.8 fl oz 

11 ""'=' 4.2 cups 

11 ""'=' 2.1 pts 

11""" 1.06 qt 

1 I""=' 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 l 

1 qt""" 0.95 l 

1gal""='3.79l 

1 oz """ 28.3 g 

1lb """0.45 kg 

1 ton""=' 907.2 kg 

1 psi ""=' 6.895 kPa 

*Ada!Jted from Let's Measure Metric. A Teacher's Introduction to Metric .Measu remen t. Division of Educational 

Redesign and Renewal, Ohio Department of Education, 65 S. Front Street, Columbus, OH -!3215. 1975. 

Information Sheet 10 
23 

CONVERSION TABLES 

MILLIMETRES TO CENTIMETRES TO INCHES INCHES TO CENTIMETRES TO MILLIMETRES 

mm em in. mm em in. mm em in. in. em mm in. em Ill!."ll 

100 10 3.93 10 1 0.39 1 0.1 0.04 1 2.54 25.4 1/8 0.32 3.2 

200 20 7 .87 20 2 0.79 2 0.2 0.08 2 5.08 50.8 1/4 0 .64 6 .4 

300 30 11.81 30 3 1.18 3 0 .3 0.12 3 7.62 76.2 1/2 1.27 12.7 

400 40 15.74 40 4 1.57 4 0.4 0.16 4 10.16 101.6 3/4 1.91 19.1 

500 50 19.68 50 5 1.97 5 0.5 0.20 5 12.70 127 .0 

600 60 23.62 60 6 2.36 6 0 .6 0.24 6 15.24 152.4 

700 70 27 .56 70 7 2.76 7 0.7 0.28 .., . 17.78 177.8 

800 80 31.50 80 8 3.15 8 0.8 0.31 8 20.32 203.2 

900 90 35.43 90 9 3.54 9 0.9 0.35 9 22.86 228.6 

10 25.40 254.0 

1000 mm or 1 metre = 39.37 inches 12 in. or 1 ft. = 30.48 em or 304.8 mm 

METRES TO FEET FEET TO METRES 

m ft. m ft. m ft. ft. m ft. m ft. m 

100 328.08 10 3 2.81 1 3 .28 100 30.48 10 3.05 1 0 .30 

200 6 56 .17 20 65.62 2 6.56 200 60.96 20 6.10 2 0.61 

300 984.25 30 98.43 3 9.84 300 91.44 30 9 .14 3 0 .91 

400 1312.34 40 131.23 4 13.12 400 121.92 40 12.19 4 1.22 

500 1640.42 50 164.04 5 16.40 500 152.40 50 15.24 5 1.52 

600 1968.50 60 196.85 6 19.69 600 182.88 60 18.29 6 1.83 

700 2296.59 70 229.66 7 22.97 700 213.36 70 21.34 7 2.13 

800 2624.67 80 262.47 8 26 .25 800 243.84 80 24.38 8 2.44 

900 2952.76 90 295.28 9 29.53 900 27 4.32 90 27.43 9 2.74 

1000 3280.84 1000 304.80 

,<T<R O'OR VOCATOONAC EOUCATOON Table 3 
24 

ANY WAY YOU WANT IT 

1. You are working in a shop or on a job site. 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 

cust omers and suppliers who use Customary units. To develop 

your skill use the Table on Information Sheet 10 and give the 1e 

approximate metric quantity (both number and unit) for each of 

the following Customary quantities. 

a ) 

b) 

c ) 

d ) 

e ) 

f ) 

g ) 

h) 

) 

j 

k ) 

I ) 

m) 

Customary Quantity Metric Quantity 

2 lb. caulking lead 

4 qts. cutting oil 

3/4 in. diameter pipe 

10 sq. ft. of floor area 

100 lb. cement 

18 in. pipe 

2 gallon can 

1 pt. of penetrating oil 

6 fl. oz. of spray paint 

1 qt . lubricating oil 

3 miles 

30 psi pressure gage 

25 lb. of lead 

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

a ) 12ft. m f ) 90ft. - m 

b) 3 1/4 in. mm g ) 16 in. em 

c ) 50 ft. m h) lOOm ft. 

d ) 2m ft. ) 30.9 em= in. 

e ) 180mm in. ) 620m ft. 

~R roR VO<OATOONAL EDUCATOON 

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, Job No., etc.). 

Requisition one of each of the following: 

a ) 5 lb. can of caulking lead 

b ) gallon of cutting oil 

c ) 12 ft. of 3/4 in. copper tubing 

d ) 1lb. roll of 50/50 solder 

e ) 60 lb. bag of pre-mixed concrete 

f ) roll of 2 in. boiler tape 

REQUISITION 

Date 

For 

Job No. Date Wanted 

Deliver to 

QTY UNIT ITEM 

Requested by 

Approved by 

Exercise 17 
SECI'ION A 

1. One kilogram is about the mass 

of a: 

[A] nickel 

[ B ] apple seed 

[ C] basketball 

[D] 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. The length of pipe would be 

measured in: 

[A] cubic centimetres 

[B ] litres 

[ C ] grams per square metre 

[D ] centimetres 

4. The diameter of pipe would 

be measured in: 

[A] millimetres 

[ B ] millili tres 

[C) kilograms 

[D] kilometres 

5. A standard length of steel 

pipe is measured in : 

[A ] cubic centimetres 

[B) metres 

[C] litres 

[D] millimetres 

o:::30£Nn<R .OR VOCATOON~ <OUCATOON 

6. The correct way to write twenty 

grams is: 

[A] 20 gms 

[B] 20 Gm. 

[C ] 20 g. 

[D] 20 g 

7. The correct way to write twelve 

thousand mitlimetres is: 

[A] 12.000 mm. 

[B] 12.000mm 

[C] 12 OOOmm 

[D] 12 000 mm 

SECTION B 

8. A pipe 100 millimetres in diameter 

also has a diameter of: 

[A] 0.1 centimetre 

[B] 100 centimetres 

[C) 1 000 centimetres 

[D) 10 centimetres 

9. A steel boiler having a mass of 

approximately 1 000 kilograms 

would also have a mass of: 

[A ] 1 metric ton 

[B] 100 milligrams 

[C) 10grarns 

[D] 1 000 litres 

10. A pipe 20 centimetres long 

also has a length of: 

[A] 2 millimetres 

[B ] 0 .2 millimetre 

[C) 200 millimetres 

[D) 2 000 millimetres 

TESTING METRIC ABILITIES 

25 
26 

SEGriON C 

11. For measuring centimetres and 

millimetres you would use a: 

[A] scale 

[B] ruler 

[ C] pressure gage 

[D] container 

12. For measuring kilopascals 

you would use a: 

[A ] pressure gage 

[B] scale 

[C] ruler 

[D] container 

13. Estimate the length of the line 

segment below: 

(A] 23 grams 

[B] 6 centimetres 

[C) 40 millimetres 

(D] 14 pascals 

~CENnR ""' VOCATOONAC EOUCATOa.. 

14. Estimate the length of the line 

segment below: 

f-------1 

[A] 10 millimetres 

[B] 4 centimetres 

(C] 4 pascals 

(D] 23 milligrams 

SECTIOND 

15. The metric unit for liquid measure 

which replaces the fluid ounce is: 

[A] litre 

(B] cubic metre 

(C] gram 

[D) millilitre 

16. The metric unit for pressure which 

replaces pounds per square inch 

(psi) is: 

[A] gram 

[B] kilo pascal 

[C) cubic centimetre 

[D) millilitre 

m2 

1 

2 

3 

4. 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 -

Use this conversion table to answer questions 17 and 18. 

ft.2 ft.2 

10.76 1 

21.53 2 

32.29 3 

43.06 4 

53.81 5 

64.58 6 

75.35 7 

86.11 8 

96.87 9 

107 .64 10 

17. The equivalent of 14 ft. 2 is: 

[A] 37.16 m2 

[B) 0.93 m 2 

[C) 2.6 m 2 

[D) 1.3m2 

18. The equivalent of 15m2 is: 

[A] 161.45 ft. 2 

[B) 973.06ft_2 

[C) 8 .73 ft.2 

(D] 97 .33 ft.

2 

m2 

0.09 

0.18 

0.28 

0.37 

0.46 

0.56 

0.65 

0.74 

0 .84 

0.93 

TESTING METRIC ABILITIES 
ANSWERS TO EXERCISES AND TEST 

EXERCISES 1 THRU 6 

The answers depend on the items 

used for the ac tivities. 

EXERCISE 7 

Currently accepted metric u~its of 

measurement for each quest10n are 

shown in Table 2. Standards in each 

occupation are being established 

nO\\" , so answers may vary. 

EXERCISE 8 

a) 2.6 em e) 13.2 em 

b ) 58. 3 cm f) 80.2 em 

c) 9.-1 em g) 140.0 em 

d ) 68.0 em h ) 230.7 em 

EXERCISES 9 THRU 13 

Tables are reproduced in t otal. 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) (9 000) I (5) (500 ) 5 000 

7-i (7 -1 00 ) (7-1 000 ) 

0.8 80 I (800 ) ' 

0.6 (60) 600 

(0 .025 ) 2.5 25 

(0. 1-18) tl-1 .8) 1-18 

(6 .39) 639 (6 390) 

Exercise 10 

rni Hili tres . 

ml 

3 000 

6 000 

(8 000 ) 

t14 000) 

(23 000) 

300 I 

700 

(900) 

250 

( 470) 

275 

Exercise 11 

litres 

I 

8 

5 

46 

(32 ) 

OA 

0. 53 

I (0 .-18 ) 

xer~ise 12 

grams 

g 

-1 000 

9 000 

23 000 

I (8 000) 

300 

275 

litres 

l 

3 

(6) 

8 

{14) 

23 

0.3 

(0. 7 ) 

0.9 

(0 .25 ) 

0.47 

(0. 275 ) 

millilitres 

ml 

8 000 

(5 000) 

(46 000) 

32 000 

(400) 

(530) 

480 

kilograms 

kg 

-1 

(9) 

(23) 

8 

(0.3 ) 

(0.275 ) 

Exercise 13 

kilograms grams 

kg g 

7 7 000 

11 (11 000) 

(25 ) 25 000 

0.4 (400) 

0.63 (630_1 

(0.175 ) 175 

Exercise 14 

a ) 5 m i ) 2 000 mm 

b ) 0.25 mi j ) 0.5 kg 

c ) 50 mm k) 0.5 litre 

d ) 2.5 kg l ) 500 kg 

e ) 12 em m) 1 000 em 

f ) 250 mi n) 25mm 

g ) 2 t 0 ) 240 em 

h ) 500 ml p ) 2.5 kg 

EXERCISES 1 5 A)J"D 16 

The answers depend on the 

items used for the activities. 

EXERCISE 17 

Part 1. 

a ) 0.90 kg h) 0.47 litre 

b ) 3.8 litres i ) 177.6 ml 

c } 1.905 em j ) 0.95 litre 

d ) 0.9 m2 k ) 4.83 km 

e ) 45 kg I ) 206.85 kPa 

f ) 45.72 em m) 11.25 kg 

g ) 7.58 litres 

Part 2 . 

a ) 3.66 m 

b ) 82.6 mrn 

e ) 15.24 m 

d ) 6.56 ft. 

e ) 7.08 in. 

f ) 27.43 m 

g ) 40.64 em 

h ) 328.08 ft. 

i ) 12.16 in. 

j ) 2,034.12 ft .

Part 3. 

a ) 2.25 kg 

b ) 3. 79 litres 

27 

e ) 3.66m, 1.905 em 

d ) 0.45 kg 

e ) 27 kg 

f ) 5.08 em 

TESTING METRIC ABILITIES 

1. c 10. c 

2. B 11. B 

3. D 12. A 

4. A 13. B 

5. B 14. A 

6. D 15. D 

7. D 16. B 

8. D 17. D 

9. A 18. A 

-!;, U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 197 ~ 75 7 - 06 9 /6 242 

SUGGESTED METRIC TOOLS AND DEVICES 

NEEDED TO COMPLETE MEASUREMENT TASKS 

IN EXERCISES 1 THROUGH 5 

UNEAR 

Metre Sticks 

Rules, 30 em 

Measuring Tapes, 150 em 

*Height Measure 

*Metre Tape, 10 m 

*Trundle Wheel 

*Area Measuring Grid 

VOLUME/CAPACITY 

*Nesting Measures, set of 5, 

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 

(* Optional) 

MASS 

Bathroom Scale 

*Kilogram Scale 

*Platform Spring Scale 

5 kg Capacity 

10 kg Capacity 

Balance Scale with 8-piece 

mass set 

*Spring Scale, 6 kg Capacity 

TEMPERATURE 

Celsius Thermometer 

FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION 

The Qh ,o State Un•vet\•ty • 1960 Kenn y Road • Columbu\ Oh•o 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. Assorted Metric Hardware- Hex nuts, washers, screws, 

cotter pins, etc. 

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

C. Vernier Caliper-Pocket slide type, 120 mm range 

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

range 

E. Feeler Gage-13 blades, 0.05 mm to 1 mm range * F. Metre Tape-50 or 100m tape 

G. Thermometers- Special purpose types such as a clinical 

thermometer 

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

cooling systems, etc. * I. Tools- Metric open end or box wrench sets, socket sets, 

hex key sets 

J. Weather Devices- Rain gage, barometer, humidity, wind 

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

etc. 

L. 1 Velocity- Direct reading or vane type meter 

M. Road Map- State and city road maps 

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

and storing liquids 

0. 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. 

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

may be used to complete the measurement task. 

Tools and Devices List