Atmospheric Pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air above an area on the Earth's surface. It is caused by the gravitational attraction of the planet and the motion of the air in the atmosphere.

Units of Measurement

Atmospheric pressure is commonly measured in units called millibars (mb) or inches of mercury (inHg).

Effects of Atmospheric Pressure

Changes in atmospheric pressure can affect weather patterns and can also have an impact on human and animal health. High pressure systems are generally associated with fair weather, while low pressure systems are often linked to cloudy, rainy, or stormy conditions.

Measuring Atmospheric Pressure

An instrument called a barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure. There are two main types of barometers: mercury barometers and aneroid barometers.

Summary

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air above a given area on the Earth's surface. It has important effects on weather, health, and various natural phenomena.

◂Math Worksheets and Study Guides Third Grade. Units of Measure

The resources above cover the following skills:

Measurement (NCTM)

Understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and processes of measurement.

Understand such attributes as length, area, weight, volume, and size of angle and select the appropriate type of unit for measuring each attribute.

Understand the need for measuring with standard units and become familiar with standard units in the customary and metric systems.

Understand that measurements are approximations and how differences in units affect precision.

Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements.

Select and apply appropriate standard units and tools to measure length, area, volume, weight, time, temperature, and the size of angles.

Connections to the Grade 3 Focal Points (NCTM)

Measurement: Students in grade 3 strengthen their understanding of fractions as they confront problems in linear measurement that call for more precision than the whole unit allowed them in their work in grade 2. They develop their facility in measuring with fractional parts of linear units. Students develop measurement concepts and skills through experiences in analyzing attributes and properties of two-dimensional objects. They form an understanding of perimeter as a measurable attribute and select appropriate units, strategies, and tools to solve problems involving perimeter.