Daily measurements

Measuring answers questions. How high is it? How wide is it? How long is it? How much does it weigh? What is the volume? What is the temperature? How much time?

Ancient people realised that measuring was needed in order for them to trade goods. So they set standards for weighing and measuring even back in Egyptian days. In the United States they use standards brought by the British colonists.

Standards are defined in units. In the United States and other countries once ruled by Britain, units for length, width and height are feet and inches. The main unit for distance is miles. Weight is usually measured in ounces, pounds and tons. Volume for liquids is measured in ounces, pints, quarts and gallons.

Other countries in the world use the metric system instead of the British units. Americans need to understand metric units in order to work with other countries. Metric units are also used in science.

Temperature is measured in degrees. Temperature can be measured in two ways, in degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius. A thermometer is a tool for measuring temperature.

Time is measured in seconds, minutes, hours as well as days, weeks, months and years. Clocks, stopwatches and calendars are some devices for measuring time.

Choose the correct answers.

1. Which one of these questions is answered by measuring? a. How far away is it? b. What colour is it?

2. Who set up the measuring standards used in the United States? a. Egyptians b. Romans c. British

3. Which one of these measures time? a. Ounce b. Foot c. Week

4. Which one of these measures weight? a. Second b. Pound c. Mile 5. What device is used to measure temperature? a. Thermometer b. Pedometer c. Odometer

6. What can each unit measure? distance length time temperature volume weight

1. ounce ....................

2. mile .......................

3. degree ....................

4. foot ........................

5. gallon ....................

6. inch .......................

7. ton ........................

8. year .......................

9. quart ......................

10. minute .................