Activity 3.

1a Linear Measurement with Metric

Units
Introduction

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

Part 1 – History

Click on the link to understand some history of the metric system or SI (Systeme
Internationale – French) then answer the questions from the video. Type your answers
directly into this document.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bUVjJWA6Vw

A. How did the metric system originate and around what year was it adopted?
The metric system originated from the enlightenment and it was adopted in 1789.

B. What country is responsible for the creation of the metric system?

France is responsible for the creation of the metric system.

C. How did the metric system spread around the world?

They metric system spread around the world because of trade and colonial
empires.

D. Why does the US continue to use the US Customary system (English system)?
The 13 colonies were already in place and had gained independence they as
they expanded the English units stuck.

E. Which areas of industry have converted to the metric system in the United
States?
Liberia and Myanmar.

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Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 3.1a SI Linear Measurement – Page 1
F. Why can it be a problem for the US to be one of three countries that have not
embraced the metric system. Give one example and explain your answer.
The U.S. not being on the metric system can be a problem because the U.S.
does a not of stuff with space travel and science so if we mess up with the
conversions it can be a big problem.

Part II – Significant Figure practice

Click on the link to view significant digit videos – There are two videos, please watch
both videos.
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic-home/arith-review-
decimals/arithmetic-significant-figures-tutorial/v/significant-figures

If the video link does not open, you can log on to the SCPS portal and click on the
Khan Academy tile in Clever. Search for significant figures to pull up the video.

Answer the following questions:

A. What are significant digits?

Significant digits are digits in a decimal number that carry meaning indicating the
certainty of the value.

B. Why are they important for measuring objects?

Significant digits are important for measuring objects because you don’t want to
over represent the amount of precision that you have.

C. Explain three rules that can be used to determine significant digits?

Non zero digits are always significant.
If there is a decimal point after whole numbers, then it means it is exact.

Click on the link below to practice counting significant digits.

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic-home/arith-review-
decimals/arithmetic-significant-figures-tutorial/e/significant_figures_1

The problems on Khan Academy are strictly for practice and are not part of your
grade. If you get stuck or need more help, please email me with questions.

Determine the number of significant figures for each problem and record the answer
next to the question in a different font color. These are graded. 1 point for each
question.

1. 6.703
2. 30
3. 200.
4. 395830

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Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 3.1a SI Linear Measurement – Page 2
5. 0.0202
6. 22.0

Part III – Measurement in SI Units

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.

Distance Measurement
1. A

2. B

3. C

4. D

5. E

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

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Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 3.1a SI Linear Measurement – Page 3
6. What is the difference in the length of rectangles A and C?

7. What is the difference in the length of rectangles B and E?

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Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 3.1a SI Linear Measurement – Page 4
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. (*MAKE SURE THAT YOUR WORD
DOCUMENT IS AT 100% VIEW)

ø R

Ø = diameter R = radius

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 Measuremen Measurement
measurement t units
Monitor Width cm
Lined Distance between mm
paper lines
Keyboard Depth mm

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10. On isometric paper, 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?
(Isometric, Oblique (cabinet), Oblique (cavalier), 1pt Perspective, 2pt
Perspective, 3pt Perspective)

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