1. Module 1

1.3. Page 3

Mathematics 10-3 Module 1 Lesson 1

Module 1: The International System of Units (SI)

 

Explore

 

In this activity you will explore how the metre and other SI units of measure can be used to describe everyday lengths, such as your height.

 

Have you ever considered expressing your height in millimetres or in metres? How might you make such a conversion? If you thought that such a conversion involves a factor of 10, you were on the right track. Complete the following Try This activity to learn about the SI unit for measurement, and how powers of 10 are involved in converting between its units.

 

m10_3_trythis.jpg Try This

 

With a partner, measure each other’s height to the nearest tenth of a centimetre. Your partner may be a classmate, a friend, or a family member.

 

TT 3. Place your measured heights in a data table such as the following. Then express your heights in millimetres and in metres. Next, find the difference between your heights. Express that difference in centimetres, millimetres, and metres. Place your results in your data table.

 

 

Height

Difference in Height

 

Measured

Conversion

Conversion

Calculated

Conversion

Conversion

 

cm

mm

m

cm

mm

m

You

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you complete the following questions, use your conversions and calculations from the chart to provide examples in your explanations.

 

TT 4. Explain how you would change a measurement in centimetres to millimetres and to metres?

 

TT 5. Explain how you would change a measurement in metres to centimetres and to millimetres?

 

m10_3_share.jpg Share

 

You are now going to be asked to share your answers to TT 1 to TT 5. Remember that sharing work is an important part of learning. Use the following tips to ensure you get all the benefits from this sharing opportunity:

  • You have completed TT 1 to TT 5 to the best of your ability. The answers are in a form that allows you to share them easily with another student or with your teacher, if so directed.

  • Use your class discussion area, or another method indicated by your teacher, to post your answers to TT 1 to TT 5 and to view the work of the people you are sharing with.

  • Compare the answers for TT 1 to TT 5. Identify where you have similar answers, and where your answers are different. Discuss all differences between the answers until you have an agreement. If necessary, you may wish to involve your teacher in your discussion.

  • Revise your answers to TT 1 to TT 5 where necessary.

Save the revised copy of your work to your course folder. Ask your teacher whether you are to save a transcript of your discussion in your course folder as well.