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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

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.

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 August 7, 2025)

Issues

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Created July 30, 2025
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