A Metric World - Lesson Plan for teaching the Metric System

This is a detailed lesson plan for teaching the metric system and conversions.  It includes downloadable worksheets and an activity for the students.  It uses real-life examples to show use of the system.  It also includes discussion questions and an evaluation for the lesson.  In the end, it has some extension possibilities, including a journal activity,  along with suggested readings.

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A Metric World - Lesson Plan for teaching the Metric System

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • learn how to convert quantities from the English system to the metric system; and
  • think about the many ways in which measuring quantities is a part of daily life.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Grocery Store Math

Have students list their favorite foods. Ask them to look at the packages to see how much food is in each package in both English and metric units. (Both are usually listed.) Then have them go to the grocery store and find out the prices of these foods. Was the price more or less than they thought? Ask students what this told them about the price of food. Did they notice anything about the price of food when it is bought in bulk as compared with when it is bought in small amounts?

 

History of the Meter

Challenge students to trace the history of the meter. Ask them to find out when and how the length of the meter was first established. Then have students explore how the method tof establishing the scientific length of the meter has changed over the last 200 years. Have students write brief reports to present to the class.

Helpful Hints

Materials needed:

  • Copies of Classroom Activity Sheet: Measuring in Daily Life
  • Copies of Take-Home Activity Sheet: Metric Stories
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Books about the metric system (optional)

References

Contributors: 
Joanna Small
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation