Meter Stick Use and Operation

1. The meter stick is used for measurement. There are two sides of the meter stick. One side has the English units of measurement (39 inche

s) and the other side has the metric units of measurement (100 centimeters). Since scientists use metric units of measurement, turn your meter stick to the side with centimeter markings.

2. The meter stick can be used to measure the length of an object that already has a preexisting size or to create an object of a specific size.

Measuring an Object:

3. If measuring an object, align the 0 cm mark at the end of the meter stick with one edge of the object being measured.

4. Place the meter stick across the object being measured.

5. Align the end of the object with the corresponding mark on the meter stick. Take a reading and record your data.

Creating an Object of a Specific Size:

6. A meter stick may be used to create an object of a specific size. Align one end of the object with the 0 cm mark at the end of the meter stick.

7. Stretch or lay the object being measured along the length of the meter stick.

8. Determine the desired size of the object. Find the appropriate number along the meter stick. Cut, fold, or make the object the correct size.

Understanding the Markings on the Meter Stick:

9. A meter stick is divided into 100 cm.

10. The meter stick contains three lengths of marks. Each long mark represents 1 cm.

11. The medium size marks represent half of a centimeter (” cm or 0.5 cm).

12. The short marks divide 1 cm into 10 small parts. Each short mark is one-tenth of a

centimeter (1/10 cm or 0.1 cm).