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Activity 3.1a Linear Measurement With Metric Units

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266 views4 pages

Activity 3.1a Linear Measurement With Metric Units

Uploaded by

luis quizhpi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Activity 3.

1a Linear Measurement with Metric Units


Introduction
Modern civilization cannot exist without measurement systems. Measurements are
everywhere, and you use them every day. Every time you buy gas, check the outside
temperature, or step on a weight scale, measurements are used to represent a quantity. The
abilities to conduct, record, and convert measurements are necessary to understand our
technological world and to carry on the business of living. The fields of science, engineering,
and mathematics use measurements extensively in the processes of discovery and design.

An interesting aspect of measurement is that a single quantity can be measured in different


ways. I may describe the height of a horse in hands, feet, or meters. I can give the length of a
property line in chains, miles, or meters. The units commonly used to measure a quantity can
change with time and across borders. In the past it was not necessary to understand the
system of measurement used by people outside of your local area, but today the world is a
global marketplace.

The United States is the only developed country that does not use the International System of
Units. In order to participate in the global market, we must be able to understand and
communicate using various measurement systems. An object that is designed in the United
States may end up being manufactured in another country. Due to the global nature of
technology, engineered objects must often be communicated in SI (modern metric) units.

With respect to measurements within the science, engineering, and mathematical


communities, accuracy and precision of measurements is extremely important. Often the
correctness of a measurement is critical to the work of scientist, engineers, and
mathematicians and must be carefully considered.

In this activity you will practice taking linear using SI measurements with a metric ruler and
correctly recording the measurements to reflect the precision of the measurement.

Equipment
 Engineering notebook
 Pencil
 Ruler – metric
 PLTW Engineering Formula Sheet

Procedure
Record the length of the rectangles shown in the following figure using SI units and the
correct number of significant figures. Include the units in your answers.

© 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.


Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 3.1a SI Linear Measurement – Page 1
Distance Measurement
1. A 0.49cm

2. B 1.90cm

3. C 3.70cm

4. D 6.29cm

5. E 7.30cm

Calculate each of the following lengths and record the answer using appropriate significant
digits and the correct units. Show all calculations.

6. What is the difference in the length of rectangles A and C?


The difference is 3.21cm
7. What is the difference in the length of rectangles B and E?
The difference is 5.4cm

© 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.


Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 3.1a SI Linear Measurement – Page 2
8. Using a metric ruler, measure the missing lengths in the figure below and enter the
dimensions in the boxes. Be sure to use the correct number of significant digits and
include units.

ø R

9. Measure and record the linear measurement of items in your classroom using
appropriate metric units as directed by your instructor. Be sure to include the
appropriate number of significant digits.
Object Description of Measurement Measurement
measurement units
CD Diameter cm 12.0
Lined Distance between mm 0.75
paper lines
pen Top to bottom cm 1.90
Blank Height in 8.5
paper
Male hand Length in 7.64
Space bar Side to side Cm 10.61

© 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.


Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 3.1a SI Linear Measurement – Page 3
10. In your engineering notebook, create a full scale isometric view of the object
represented in the following sketch using the dimensions shown. Use a metric ruler
to obtain the correct dimensions on your sketch.

11. What type of pictorial is shown in number 10? How can you tell?

Conclusion
1. Explain the meaning of significant digits (or significant figures) in measurement.

Are numbers beginning with the leftmost nonzero digit

2. Why is the metric system used instead of the US customary system, and vice versa, in
various parts of the world?
3. Cause the metric system is the standard way of measuring.

© 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.


Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 3.1a SI Linear Measurement – Page 4

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