← All labs · Logical Home Schooling Download the lab worksheet (PDF)
Conversion Lab Dimensional analysis: make the units cancel
About this activityChemistry · Physical Science · Math · Grades 7–12 · About 45 minutes

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Explain why a conversion factor equals 1, and orient it so the unwanted unit cancels.
  • Chain several conversion factors to solve multi-step unit conversions.
  • Convert between metric prefixes, including squared and cubed units (1 m² = 10,000 cm²).
  • Use dimensional analysis to solve real problems with rates: speed, cost, medicine doses, and moles to particles.

Standards alignment

  • HSN-Q.A.1 CCSS Math: Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas.
  • 6.RP.A.3d CCSS Math: Use ratio reasoning to convert measurement units.
  • SEP 5 NGSS Science and Engineering Practice: use mathematics and computational thinking.

Includes

Four stages of five problems each: single conversion factors, multi-step chains, metric prefixes with squared and cubed units, and real-world rate problems; a factor-tile chain builder that crosses out cancelled units; and a printable lab worksheet. A teacher answer key is available from Logical Home Schooling.

No sign-in and no ads. Nothing students type is sent anywhere; progress is saved only in their own browser.