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Physical Measurement Laboratory

Office of Weights and Measures

Metrology and Me

Description and Purpose:

Ever wondered how scientists, engineers, doctors, and even chefs know their measurements are “just right”?

Welcome to Metrology—the science of measurement. Measurements are all around us, from cooking recipes to building bridges, yet we rarely stop to think about their importance.

Math and Science educators are invited to participate in a hands-on classroom activity designed to allow their students to step into the role of a metrologist and explore the International System of Units (SI), also known as the metric system. Participants will measure liquids using milliliters (mL), practice estimating and calculating volumes, and see how accurate measurements help the world work safely.

Discover how measuring small things makes a big difference in everyday life and future Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) careers.

To promote collaboration among members of the same organization, for example teachers within the same U.S. school, grade, or subject, “Group” participation in a webinar session from a centralized facility location can be pre-arranged with the course Instructor, on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact thesi [at] nist.gov (TheSI[at]nist[dot]gov)

As an IACET Accredited Provider, the NIST Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) Training Program offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.

OWM is authorized to issue IACET CEUs for this ANSI/IACET Standard-compliant training event.

Course Info

Learning Objectives

At the end of the session, participants will:

EXPLAIN the definition of Metrology
APPLY volume measurement techniques
ESTIMATE and CALCULATE spoon volume (capacity)
EVALUATE volume measurement devices
CHOOSE the best measurement tool

Audience

This training seminar is open to Math and Science educators.

Registration Fee

There is no fee to attend the event.

Materials & Supplies

None.

General Info & Requirements

Course Sign-up and Confirmation

Identify a Scheduled Class – Review the OWM Training and Events calendar to identify a scheduled class for this course.
Request a Scheduled Class – After creating an OWM Contacts System account, request a class in the OWM Contacts System or login to your existing account. View the videos below for detailed instructions.
Request an Unscheduled Course – To indicate your interest in an unscheduled course, visit the OWM Contacts System Menu to review “Courses,” select the Course title, and submit your interest. Unscheduled course requests are periodically reviewed by the instructor. Classes for a course may be scheduled based on the level of participant interest. OWM schedules classes when the minimum number of orders are received.
For additional information, please see the Training FAQs or OWM Contacts System Help, or email your questions to owm [at] nist.gov (owm[at]nist[dot]gov).

Location

All in-person seminars will meet in the NIST Administration Building 101 (Room B11) located at 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899 on the Gaithersburg, MD campus. Please see the NIST Campus Access, Security and Visitor Information page regarding visitor identification requirements, local transportation options, and other information regarding the NIST Gaithersburg, MD campus. This course may also be scheduled at external location.

Minimum Requirement(s)

Successful completion includes full attendance and participation in all activities and discussions.

Technology Requirement(s)

None.

Metrology, Metric and Weights and measures

Contacts

General Information - OWM

[email protected]

Created June 15, 2026, Updated June 16, 2026

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