Keywords: | International System of Units, SI, metric system, defining constant, base, derived, unit, prefix, measurement, team, individual, game, play, collaboration, activity, classroom, STEM, education, meter, kilogram, ampere, kelvin, mole, candela, second, length, mass, electric current, thermodynamic temperature, amount of substance, luminous intensity, time |
Audience: | Student, parent, educator, general public, academic coordinator, outreach ambassador, formal, informal |
Grade Level: | 3 to Higher Education |
Subjects: | STEM, mathematics, physical science, chemistry, biology and life sciences, earth science, engineering, environmental science, physics |
Welcome to the SI Units Card Deck, an interactive educational activity that offers a fun way for learners to enhance their understanding of the International System of Units (SI), including the defining constants, base units, derived units with special names, and prefixes. With multiple game variations, games may be differentiated for instructional and skill levels.
Play activities, like those within this resource, are an easy way to motivate students to learn, build self-confidence and transfer SI measurement skills to other situations. Familiarity with the elements and structure of the International System of Units (SI), commonly known as the metric system, will prepare students to successfully make measurements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) applications.
Required
Set | Title | Pages | Grade Level | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3rd to 5th | 6th to 8th | 9th + | |||
A | Defining Constants | 3 to 4 |
|
| X |
B | Base Units Name | 5 to 6 |
| X | X |
C | Base Units Symbol | 7 to 8 |
| X | X |
D | Base Units Quantity | 9 to 10 |
| X | X |
E | Derived Units Name | 11 to 16 |
|
| X |
F | Derived Units Symbol | 17 to 22 |
|
| X |
G | Derived Units Quantity | 23 to 28 |
|
| X |
H | SI Prefixes Name & Symbols, Factors (Large) | 29 to 32 33 to 36 | X | X | X |
I | SI Prefixes Name & Symbols, Factors (Small) | 37 to 40 41 to 44 | X | X | X |
Use caution when handling paper edges and scissors to prevent injury. Keep fingers clear of cutting areas.
Teachers are encouraged to frequently bring the SI into their classrooms! U.S. educators may obtain a free set SI Teacher Kit. Contact the TheSI [at] nist.gov (Metric Program) at TheSI [at] nist.gov (TheSI[at]nist[dot]gov) and include your name, school, subject, grade level, phone number, and U.S. mailing address.
Classroom Connections
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