Measure Using a Centimeter Ruler
🌎 The rest of the world's ruler! Let's flip our rulers over and look at the tiny numbers. These are called centimeters.
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Concept
Inches are mostly used in the United States. But scientists and the rest of the world use a different system called metric. Let's learn about centimeters (cm)!
🎯 Centimeters vs. Inches: * Flip your ruler over. * The side with the big spaces is Inches. * The side with the tiny spaces and lots of numbers is Centimeters. * Centimeters are much smaller than inches! (It takes about 2 and a half centimeters to make just 1 inch!)
🎯 How to Measuring with Centimeters: You measure exactly the same way you do with inches! 1. Start exactly at the 0 line. 2. Read the number where the object ends. 3. Say "centimeters" (or "cm") at the end!
Try it
Flip that ruler over!
Instructions: Answer the questions about centimeter measuring.
Problem 1: You measure a pencil using centimeters. The number is 15. The teacher asks how long it is. What should you say? A) "It is 15 inches." B) "It is 15 centimeters."
Problem 2: Which unit is SMALLER? A) An inch B) A centimeter
Problem 3: You measure a ladybug. The number is 2. Is the ladybug 2 inches long, or 2 centimeters long? (Hint: 2 inches is about the size of a grown-up's thumb. 2 centimeters is about the size of your fingernail!) * _____________________