10-10 - Celebrate National Metric day with us!

By Ursaline McLeod

Get ready to crunch some numbers because October 10th is National Metric Day. This day

recognizes the metric system and its vital role in science, education, and everyday life.

As parents and educators, this day is the perfect opportunity to infuse some extra love for math and dive into the world of metrics with hands-on, engaging activities.

The Metric System is basically a system used for measuring. It can be used to measure

distance, length, volume, weight and temperature.

It is based on 3 basic units — meter, kilogram, and second. These are the building blocks for measuring everything around us.

Introducing metrics early can help kids feel more confident and competent in their future

STEAM education. The metric system is used worldwide in most fields of science and helps

us explore the world, whether we’re checking the height of a tree, weighing our snacks, or

timing a fun activity.

We want to get our Kids excited about math, measurements, and the amazing world of the

metric system. Let’s dive into some creative activities and tips to help kids explore the metric

system with curiosity and joy.

Try these 5 fun Metric System Activities to encourage learning and laughter:

1. Metric Measuring Scavenger Hunt

Set up a scavenger hunt using metric measurements. Have your kids measure objects

around the house using a ruler or tape measure. Ask them to find something that’s 10 centimeters long, one meter tall, or weighs one kilogram. If you're doing this with a class,

you can split them into teams.

2. Metric Cooking Challenge

Cooking is a fantastic way to introduce metric measurements in a real-world setting. For this activity, use a simple 3-5 ingredient smoothie or ice-cream recipe that uses grams and liters, instead of cups and ounces. Not only does it show the practical applications of the metric

system but you have a delicious snack for break time.

3. Metric Olympics

Host a ‘Metric Olympics’ afternoon, where kids can participate in simple games like a long jump, ball or javelin throw, or a timed 100-meter sprint. Keeping track of distances and times in metric units will make learning feel like play.

4. Metric Art Challenge

Get creative by having kids create artwork using metric measurements. Provide art materials, strings, rulers, and grid paper, and challenge them to design a piece that measures a specific area in square centimeters. Combine art with math and make measurements fun.

5. Metric Building Challenge

Construct simple structures using metric measurements. Provide materials like popsicle sticks, LEGO blocks, or cardboard. Challenge them to build something specific, for example a bridge or tower, using measurements in centimeters and meters. This hands-on activity

also encourages creativity and problem-solving as they design their structures.

Why does STEAM Education and the Metric System Go Hand-in-Hand?

As the global standard for measurement, the metric system plays an essential role in

STEAM. Whether it’s calculating distance in space exploration, measuring chemical

reactions in science experiments, or designing an art project with precise dimensions,

understanding metric units is key to success.

Tips for Introducing the Metric System to Younger Learners

While older children may already have some exposure to the metric system, younger

learners can benefit from simple, hands-on activities.

Here are some tips to get started:

● Start with Comparisons: Show children how a centimeter compares to an inch or how

a kilogram compares to a pound. Using real objects makes these abstract concepts

more concrete.

● Use Everyday experiences: Incorporate the metric system into everyday life by

asking your child to help you measure ingredients while cooking, weigh groceries, or

check the temperature (in Celsius!).

● Keep it Fun: Games, songs, and interactive online tools can make learning the metric

system an enjoyable experience, helping kids retain what they learn.

By celebrating National Metric Day, we can help children connect with important math and

measurement skills in a way that feels natural and fun. Don’t miss out on more creative ways

to incorporate STEAM learning into your everyday life. Subscribe to our blog for tips and

resources that will inspire your child’s curiosity and passion for learning.