Metric System, Scientific Notation, and Measurement Fundamentals

Vocabulary flashcards covering cross-lateral brain activity, Imperial versus Metric S.I. units, unit conversions using the King Henry slider, and rules for operating with scientific notation.

Cross-Lateral Brain Activity

Cross-lateral brain activity occurs when students color or doodle in math class, activating both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously to support new learning, relaxation (less anxiety), visual connections, and better memory and retention.

Imperial System

A system of measurement with random quantities based on antiquated references, such as the length of the King's foot and the size of a barleycorn.

S.I. Units

Short for Système Internationale (French for International System), these are internationally standardized units that provide a common language across nations, science, and technology.

Metric Base Units

Standard metric units used for specific measurements, including the meter ($\text{m}$) for length, gram ($\text{g}$) for mass, liter ($\text{L}$) for fluid volume, and second ($\text{s}$) for time.

Non-Metric Countries

The three countries in the world that have not adopted the metric system: 1) The U.S., 2) Burma, and 3) Liberia.

King Henry Mnemonic

The mnemonic device "King Henry Died by drinking chocolate milk!" used to remember the metric prefixes kilo-, hecto-, deka-, base, deci-, centi-, and milli-.

King Henry Slider Method

A conversion technique where each hop to the right multiplies the original number by $10$ (moving the decimal point right) and each hop to the left divides by $10$ (moving the decimal point left).

Scientific Notation

A representation used by scientists for really small or really large numbers so that they take up less space on paper, written as a coefficient between $1$ and $10$ multiplied by a power of $10$.

E Notation

A calculator format where the letter "E" is displayed instead of $\times 10$ to represent an exponent power (for example, $6.02\text{E}23$ instead of $6.02 \times 10^{23}$).

Scientific Notation Multiplication Rule

The procedure where you multiply the coefficients and add the powers, then adjust to standard scientific notation.

Scientific Notation Division Rule

The procedure where you divide the coefficients and subtract the powers, then adjust to standard scientific notation.

Scientific Notation Addition and Subtraction Rule

The procedure where you convert numbers to have matching exponent powers before adding or subtracting their coefficients, then adjust the result to standard scientific notation.