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 = ______milligrams
We know we are going from a larger
measurement, grams, to a smaller one,
milligrams, this means we move to the
right.
Return
to the
stairs.
Step
4
4. Using the chart, decide how many steps to
the left or right you will be taking on the
metric stairs.
4.2 grams = ______milligrams
grams
decigrams
centigrams
milligrams
Because 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.
Return
to the
stairs
Step
5
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
4.2 42. (one) 420. (two) 4,200.(three)
Try it for
yourself
!
1.
Use a separate sheet of paper to
convert:
3 kilograms = _____ grams
.03 grams
3,000
grams
30 grams
3 grams
Question 1
Move on to question 2!
Try again!
2. Use a separate sheet of paper to
convert:
8,200 centimeters= ____ meters
82 meters
8.2 meters
820 meters
.082
meters
Question 2
Start again!
References
Try again!
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.
References
Return to the beginning.