Measure Using a Centimeter Ruler
š The rest of the world's ruler! Let's flip our rulers over and look at the tiny numbers. These are called centimeters.
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)! šÆ **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!) šÆ **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!) * _____________________