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PUBLICATIONS

Estimating How Big: The Metric Estimation Game

Published

Author(s)

Elizabeth Benham, Kristen Dill, Dinelka Jagoda, Maryanne Amanze, Yoon Thwel

Abstract

The metric system (International System of Units, SI) is easy to use and learn. The Metric System Estimation Game is a fun, hands-on activity that helps participants become familiar with SI measurements by practicing estimation skills. During this activity, participants will become familiar with using metric (SI) measurements on common everyday items. About how many grams does a baseball weigh? Approximately how many centimeters long is a pencil? How many liters are in that water bottle? Participants will work in small groups and earn points during this interactive, hands-on measurement game. With multiple game variations, the activity may be differentiated for instructional and skill levels.
Citation
Special Publication (NIST SP) - 1336
Report Number
1336
NIST Pub Series
Special Publication (NIST SP)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1336
Local Download

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.
Weights and measures, Time and frequency metrology, Thermometry metrology, Mass metrology and Flow metrology and rheology

Citation

Benham, E. , Dill, K. , Jagoda, D. , Amanze, M. and Thwel, Y. (2025), Estimating How Big: The Metric Estimation Game, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1336, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=960321 (Accessed October 6, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created July 30, 2025
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