The Standard System

Lyrics

Chorus
It’s the standard system
Manipulating measurements, take ‘em, twist ‘em (×3)
It’s the standard system, no doubt, for sure
Units of conversion no less no more

Verse I
If 12 inches make a foot and 3 feet make a yard
How many inches in a yard? (Man that’s kinda hard.)
Nope it’s not really it’s just 12 × 3
36 inches: one yard exactly
1760 yards in a mile
Trust me, no need to count ‘cause that could take a while
A mile is 5280 feet, that’s right
We’re talking length with strength over the beat

Chorus

Verse II
If 2 cups make a pint and 2 pints make a quart
How many cups in a quart? (That would be 4.)
If 4 quarts make a gallon and 4 cups are in a quart
How many cups in a gallon? (Man that’s a challenge!)
Maybe so, but it’s just 4 × 4
16 cups in a gallon for sure
That’s 8 pints, no less no more
4 quarts, one gallon, let’s settle the score

Chorus

Verse III
So there’s 16 ounces in a pound
And 2000 pounds in a ton
Now imagine a 10-pound cat on the ground
Who loves to lounge in the sun
What is the weight of the cat in ounces? (That’s tough!)
Maybe but that’s the way the ball bounces.
16 ounces multiplied by 10 pounds
(160 ounces, how does that sound?)

You look confused, you just need more practice
To keep all your math skills sharp like a cactus
Here’s another one, you’re almost done
A 4000 pound car is how many tons?
4000 pounds is 2 tons exactly
(That’s a heavy car, is it a truck or a taxi?)
2 tons is right, you’re really coming along
Learn the standard system by learning this song

Chorus

Verse IV
Now, suppose you’ve got an area of 1 square foot
How many square inches would you have in that area?
Calm down, no need to cause mass hysteria
I didn’t know that units of conversion were scarin’ ya
(1 square foot is a 1 × 1 square.)
Now transfer that to inches and do it with care
(12 inches squared is 144.)
That’s 1 square foot no less no more

Bridge
Try to visualize what the problem is asking
That’s a math skill for life, long and everlasting
Paint a picture with your mind, create a visual image
And memorize this song from the start to the finish

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Description

This song teaches the standard system of measurement including how to convert feet to inches to yards to miles, and ounces to pounds to tons. It uses real like examples to explain the conversions. The teaching materials at the bottom of the page, including worksheets, lesson plans, activities and games are resources for teachers and homeschool parents to generate teaching ideas for the song topic. Students will have a better understanding of the standard system of measurement and how to convert to larger or smaller units.

This song is suitable for elementary, middle school and high school students.

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Related Reading and Activities

Reading

FactMonster.com
Measurement
This site has all kinds of tables and information that is a good base to start teaching from. There are some games and activities too. Easy to navigate and full of good stuff.
Grades 2-6

ABCTeach
Math Chart: Metric Conversions (PDF)
This table features measurement conversions from U.S. to Metric, and Metric to U.S. Useful for classroom or individual study.
Grades 4-8

Convert-me.com
Conversion Tables
This website will help students with any conversions they need to make.
Grades 4-8

Math Is Fun
Measuring with Maggie: Introduction to US Standard Units
This site directs students through the basics of the standard system. Colorful and easy to navigate, this is a great place for younger students or as an introductory lesson.
Grades 2-6

Lesson Plans & Activities

MCE
Measurement Chart
Though not an activity in itself, this colorful and information-packed chart gives teachers and students plenty of ideas for lessons or activities involving different kinds of measurements.
Grades 2-5

Customary Length
This quiz tests students’ knowledge to type of measurement and ability to estimate various kinds of measuring. Useful for many purposes.
Grades 2-6

Apples4theteacher.com
Measure the Teddy Bear
This cute measuring game is for the very young student. Fun and a good way to teach how to measure length if you need a group activity or lesson.
Grades 1-3

Discovery Education
A Metric World
This lesson plan teaches students how to convert metric measurements into the standard system, and challenges students to think about how measurements are used in our daily lives. A good activity that can be done as a class or in small groups.
Grades 6-8

Media

Sporcle.com
Measuring Game
This fun game tests students’ knowledge of both metric and standard systems. It is a timed quiz and great fun for a class, buddies or individuals to play. Good information, requiring some knowledge.
Grades 5-10

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State Standards

State standards listed here are representative of school standards across the United States.

California

3rd Grade
Algebra and Functions: 1.4 - Express simple unit conversions in symbolic form (e.g., __ inches = __ feet × 12).
Measurement and Geometry: 1.1 - Choose appropriate tools and units (metric and U.S.) Estimate and measure the length, liquid volume, weight and mass of given objects.

5th Grade
Measurement and Geometry: 1.3 - Understand concept of volume. Use appropriate units in common measuring systems (i.e., cubic centimeter [cm 3], cubic meter [m3], cubic inch [in 3], cubic yard [yd3]) to compute volume of rectangular solids.

Florida

2nd Grade
MA 2.G.3.1 - Estimate and use standard units, including inches and centimeters, to partition and measure lengths of objects.

4th Grade
MA.4.G.3.3 - Select and use appropriate units, both customary and metric, strategies, and measuring tools to estimate and solve real-world area problems.

5th Grade
MA.5.G.5.2 - Compare, contrast and convert units of measure within same dimension (length, mass, or time) to solve problems.
MA.5.G.5.3 - Solve problems requiring attention to approximation and selection of appropriate measuring tools and precision of measurement.

Illinois

4th-6th Grades
7.A.2a - Calculate, compare and convert length, perimeter, area, weight, mass and volume within the customary and metric systems.

Massachusetts

2nd Grade
2.M.4 - Measure and compare common objects using metric and English units of length measurement, e.g., centimeter, inch.

4th Grade
4.M.1 - Demonstrate understanding of attributes as length, area, weight and volume. Select appropriate type of unit for measuring each attribute.
4.M.2 - Carry out simple unit conversions within a system of measurement, e.g., hours to minutes, cents to dollars, yards to feet or inches, etc.
4.M.5 - Identify and use appropriate metric and English units and tools (e.g., ruler, angle ruler, graduated cylinder, thermometer) to estimate, measure, and solve problems involving length, area, volume, weight, time angle size and temperature.

New York

6th Grade
6.M.2 - Identify customary units of capacity (cups, pints, quarts, and gallons)
6.M.3 - Identify equivalent customary units of capacity (cups to pints, pints to quarts, and quarts to gallons)

Texas

6th Grade
6.8.B - Select and use appropriate units, tools and formulas to measure and to solve problems involving length (including perimeter), area, time, temperature, volume and weight.
66.8.D - Convert measures within same measurement system (customary and metric) based on relationships between units.

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