Metric Measurement, Units & Uncertainty — Practice · Grade 6 Science
Chapter: Inquiry, Measurement & ModelsWhat this practice covers
By the end of Metric Measurement, Units & Uncertainty you should be able to:
- I can convert between metric units using the prefixes milli, centi and kilo.
- I can read an instrument to its smallest division plus one estimated digit.
- I can explain why two measurements that differ may not be measuring different things.
8 questions, written answer and multiple choice, each with a worked explanation.
Vocabulary used: unit, resolution, evidence, system boundary, uncertainty.
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
The property and unit are absent. A reader cannot know whether 64 describes millimeters, grams, or something else.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Begin at the zero mark or subtract the recorded start reading from the end reading, using the same units.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
250 ÷ 1,000 = 0.25 L; the amount of liquid is unchanged.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 4
Answer and explanation
No. A mean summarizes readings, but instrument resolution and method uncertainty still limit what the digits mean.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 5
Answer and explanation
The lengths are 6.5 cm and 6.4 cm, or 65 mm and 64 mm. The 1 mm difference is observed reading variation; the values do not establish a length exact to many decimal places. Check alignment and use the ruler’s scale consistently.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 6
Answer and explanation
1.2 kg = 1,200 g. A gram is smaller than a kilogram, so the numerical count grows when the same mass is expressed in grams.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 7
- Writing more digits automatically improves measurement quality.
- A measurement without a unit is fully interpretable.
- unit: A defined reference used to express a measurement.
- One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation
unit: A defined reference used to express a measurement.
A defined reference used to express a measurement. The lengths are 6.5 cm and 6.4 cm, or 65 mm and 64 mm. The 1 mm difference is observed reading variation; the values do not establish a length exact to many decimal places. Check alignment and use the ruler’s scale consistently.
Problem 8
- One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
- A measurement without a unit is fully interpretable.
- Writing more digits automatically improves measurement quality.
- resolution: The smallest change a measuring instrument can distinguish under its method.
Answer and explanation
resolution: The smallest change a measuring instrument can distinguish under its method.
The smallest change a measuring instrument can distinguish under its method. The lengths are 6.5 cm and 6.4 cm, or 65 mm and 64 mm. The 1 mm difference is observed reading variation; the values do not establish a length exact to many decimal places. Check alignment and use the ruler’s scale consistently.