Summary
How many meters are there in a kilometer? In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby explore the differences between the metric and customary systems of measurement. You’ll learn about the metric system’s simple base-10 design, and why that makes it so easy to use. Discover how the metric system’s structure lends itself to expression in decimals, and why the customary system generally uses fractions. You’ll also learn the secret of why the metric system’s inventors chose 10 as a base. (Hint: it’s a part of your body you use all the time!)
Viewer safety
Ages 7+
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Metric vs. Customary:
- What is one new thing you learned about metric vs. customary?
- 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 metric vs. customary.
- Draw or give one example of your own.