Metric Conversions!5th Grade Mathematics

Michelle Harris

Let’s get

started

The Metric Stairs

Continue

Helpful Steps!1. Locate the decimal point. (the decimal

point in the example is shown in red)

4.2 grams = _____milligrams

Step 2

2. Decide which measurement out of the two given to you is larger.

4.2 grams = ______milligrams

grams > milligrams

Step 3

3. Then, using the information from step 2, decide whether to move right or left on the chart from earlier.

4.2 grams = ______milligramsWe know we are going from a larger

measurement, grams, to a smaller one,milligrams, this means we move to the

right.

Step 4Return to the stairs.

4. Using the chart, decide how many steps to the left or right you will be taking on the metric stairs.

4.2 grams = ______milligramsgrams decigrams centigrams milligramsBecause we start at grams, the first step would

be to decigrams. Then two other steps after that gives us three total steps to the right.

Step 5Return to the stairs

5. Lastly, take the decimal point and move it in the direction you decided for the amount of steps you have counted.

4.2 grams = 4,200 milligrams

4.242. (one)420. (two)4,200.(three)

Try it for yourself

!

Question 1

1. Use a separate sheet of paper to convert:

3 kilograms = _____ grams

.03 grams

3 grams30 grams

3,000 grams

THAT IS

CORRECT!

Move on to question 2!

Try again! Don’t give up!

Try again!

Question 2

2. Use a separate sheet of paper to convert:

8,200 centimeters= ____ meters

82 meters

.082 meters

8.2 meters

820 meters

THAT IS

CORRECT!

Start again!References

Try again! Don’t give up!

Try again!

References

I use this original step method with my tutoring students. They are steps I came up with myself to help them better understand the metric system.

Return to the beginning.