Activity 11.1B: Metric Scavenger Hunt

To compete well in the Mini Metric Olympics, you should collect some resources.

Collect the following tools:

• A ruler or tape measure with centimetres.
• A measuring cup with millilitres. Perhaps you could borrow one from someone you know.
• A scale that can measure grams? This may be a tough one. It could be a scale that measures ounces, then we convert. Ask around to friends and family. If enough of us cannot find this, then we may have to abandon mass. Please don't buy a scale for this.
• A thermometer that measures Celsius. Perhaps you have a meat thermometer or candy thermometer, or know someone you can borrow from. Please don't buy a thermometer unless you need one for other activities of your own.

Collect the following supplies:

• A friend to play with.
• A cotton ball.
• A drinking straw or cotton swab (Qtip).
• A few paper plates to tape together for a light weight Frisbee.
• A small sponge, or small wash cloth and bowl with water.
• A bunch of small objects of uniform size: marbles, paper clips, pebbles or small stones, 
• A couple of cups of water, one cold and one warm.

To warm up to the Mini Metric Olympics, you should try to think metrically. As often as possible estimate things using the metric system and then measure some of them. Here are some ideas, and I am sure that you can come up with others.

• How long is your shoe in centimetres?
• What are the dimensions of your kitchen/dining table in centimetres? How about in meters?
• How long and tall is your car in centimetres?
• The next time you grab a package or can, estimate it's mass in grams, then look at the package to check your guess. However, keep in mind that it will always be heavier due to the mass of the packaging.
• Do you have a pet? What is the mass of one of your pets in grams or kilograms?
• When you take a drink estimate the amount of millilitres.
• How many millilitres are are in a tablespoon? a teaspoon?
• What is the temperature of a glass of water from your faucet?
• What is the temperature of a hot cup of coffee or tea that isn't too hot to sip?

Please submit the following:

1. A list of the tools that you were able to acquire.
2. A list of the supplies that you collected.
3. Tell me a few of the metric estimates that you made and checked.