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How to Convert Units of Measure for Kids

If you ever need to convert inches to meters, minutes to hours or grams to pounds, then you will need to understand the differences between the metric system and the standard system. Conversions may seem complicated at first, but once you memorize a few simple formulas, all you need to do is multiply or divide.

Things You'll Need

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Index card
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Instructions

  1. Define How to Measure

    • 1

      Explain how to measure various objects or distances. For example: miles and kilometers might be used for longer distances, whereas inches and centimeters are used to measure smaller objects. Similarly, gallons measure larger quantities of volume, whereas cups and quarts measure smaller quantities.

    • 2

      Prepare a worksheet or an index card for students to use as a cheat sheet. They should contain the basic conversions between the different units of measurement. For volume: 1 cup= 8 fluid ounces, 1 pint = 16 fluid ounces, 1 quart = 2 pints or 4 cups, 1 gallon= 4 quarts or 8 pints or 16 cups. For length: 12 inches= 1 foot, 3 feet= 1 yard, etc. For weight, 1 pound= 16 ounces and 1 ton= 2000 pounds.

    • 3

      Demonstrate how these conversions work, by using real world objects. For example, bring a ruler to measure an object in both centimeters and inches. Or use a scale, which measures in both ounces and pounds.

    • 4

      Prepare a worksheet composed of conversion questions. For example, convert three pounds into ounces.

    • 5

      Write the conversion rate: 1 pound= 16 ounces. Set up a proportion: 1/3=16/x.

    • 6

      Cross multiply equation: x=48. Three pounds is equal to 48 ounces.

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