Summary
The metric system is great for the science lab, but if you live in the United States, you probably stop using it once class has ended. When you go to the doctor’s office, your height is measured in feet and inches, and your weight is measured in pounds. Street signs show distances in miles, and at the supermarket, practically everything is sold by the pint, quart, gallon, or ounce. In this BrainPOP movie on converting customary units, Tim and Moby explain exactly what all these measurements are, where they come from, and how they’re used. You’ll discover why the metric system is a lot easier to master than the customary system that’s popular in America. And you’ll get down to the nitty-gritty and learn how many feet are in a mile, how many ounces are in a pound, and how many pints are in a gallon. So put down that two-liter bottle of soda, pick up a quart of milk, and click on this movie!
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Customary Units:
- What is one new thing you learned about customary units?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining customary units.
- Draw or give one example of your own.