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Physical Measurement Laboratory

Office of Weights and Measures

Everyday Objects (Option 1)

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Everyday Objects Banner
Keywords:Activity, Base Unit, Classroom, Collaboration, Defining Constant; Derived Unit, Education, Formal; Game, Individual, Informal, International System of Units, Measurement, Metric System, Play, Prefix, Proportion, Quantity, Scale, Sense-making, STEM, Team.
Audience:Educators, academic coordinators, outreach ambassadors, formal, and informal
Grade Level:3rd to Higher Education
Subjects:Biology and life sciences, chemistry, earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, physical science, physics, STEM
Players:3 to 5 persons per team
Difficulty Level:Easy to moderate
Time:50 minutes (adjust as needed)
Metric education activity introduction section banner

During this activity, participants will collaborate in small groups to earn points as they become familiar with metric (SI) mass, length, and volume measurement units. This game is designed for in-person learning. Each team will determine a quantity estimate for each game item, which is compared to a verified value. Multiple measurement methods may be used to verify results (Figure 1). Some estimations are determined using basic math formulas and use a standard set of game objects.

Learn more about Metric Meal (Option 2) or return to the Metric Estimation Game.

Sample Everyday Objects (Option 1) Game Objects and unit symbol card
Certain commercial products, equipment, and materials may be identified in NIST SP 1336, Metric Estimation Game, for Information only. Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor is it intended to imply that the products, equipment, and materials are necessarily the best available for the purpose.
Credit: NIST/C. Whitman

Everyday Objects (Option 1) is designed to develop and reinforce estimation skills, select and use appropriate measurement tools, and determine measurement unit quantity, scale, and magnitude. During the activity, participants will:

  • Develop a feel for quantities experienced in daily life.
  • Apply orders of magnitude. For example, participants will comprehend the difference between meters and centimeters (one hundredth), liters and milliliters 
    (thousandth), and grams and kilograms (thousand).
  • Participants will evaluate length, volume, and mass quantity estimates.

  • Meter sticks.
  • Metric rulers.
  • Metric flexible measuring tapes.
  • Job Aid (Resources).
  • Dry-erase paddle and marker.
  • Presentation Game Board. This file includes the facilitator background information to conduct the activity. (Download the file on this page.)
  • Download the SP 1336 publication to print companion resources located at the end of the publication.

Prior to the activity, the facilitator will select all game objects and customize the presentation file (Education Standards and Measurement Tools and Game Objects). The activity may be designed to focus on a variety of everyday measurement parameters and units . The facilitator will share the background section within the presentation prior to gameplay.

  • Facilitator, Teams, Participants, and Scribe. The facilitator will:
  • Keep score on the board (or assign a scorekeeper).
  • Reveal the game object. Distribute the game object to teams.
  • Keep time (or assign a timekeeper).
  • Reveal the correct estimate.
  • Write correct answers on the board.
  • Award points

  • Participants are divided into small teams (3–5 individuals).
  • Each team selects a category and points value from a digital game board.
  • The facilitator presents an object and specifies the unit of measurement (e.g., kilograms).
  • Teams examine the object and submit an estimate, including the correct unit symbol (e.g., “2.5 kg”).
  • Teams have 60 seconds to respond.
  • The closest correct estimate earns points. Exact estimates receive triple the point value.
  • Gameplay continues until all items are completed or time expires.
  • Total points are tallied at the end. A final reflection concludes the activity.

The following guidance supports effective learning and participation:

  • Always include the correct unit (e.g., “cm,” “kg,” “mL”) with your estimate.
  • Responses without a unit symbol are not eligible for points.
  • Observe time limits. Late or incomplete answers are not counted.
  • Write the unit symbol first to avoid omission.
  • Discuss and reflect on challenges and discoveries as a team.

  • Correct estimates receive the round’s full point value.
  • Exact matches receive triple points as a bonus.
  • No points are awarded for missing or incorrect units.
  • Timed responses encourage quick thinking and focus.
  • End-of-game discussions provide opportunities to highlight learning progress, clarify concepts, and build measurement confidence.

  • Multiple teams can be awarded points for close estimates to the same question.
  • Extremely inaccurate estimates are not awarded points.
  • If a team(s) is far behind, offer them a challenge. Award triple points to any team that guesses the item’s value exactly as displayed on the game board.

EXPLORE THE METRIC PROGRAM

Becoming Familiar with SI | Everyday Estimation | Metrication FAQs | Prefixes | Metric Kitchen | SI Education and Training | SI Publications | Understanding Metric | Writing with Metric Units | National Metric Week | NEST-R (STEM Registry) | NIST Education Resources

Metrology, Metric and Weights and measures

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Created June 24, 2025, Updated July 18, 2025
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