PLAYING WITH METRICS
Task
The metric system of measurement (SI) is an important tool in the scientific community. It allows scientist to communicate results of investigations using a common language. However, the SI system doesn’t seem to be important in our daily lifes. In fact, many people consider it to be confusing. You will learn the basic metric measurements, how to convert units, and information on the use of metrics in the United States.
Activity Questions
What are the basic units of measurement in the metric (SI) system?
What instruments are needed to measure the basic units?
How do you convert within the metric and customary systems of measurement?
Describe some historical developments of measurement?
What are some pros and cons for the U.S. to go metric?
Resources
http://tqjunior.thinkquest.org/3804/
www.freedom2measure.org
www.essex1.com/people/speer/metric.html
www.ts.nist.gov/ts/htdocs/200/202/mpo_hom2.htm
Culminating Question
Using information from the last 3 sources, what are the pros and cons for using the SI system of measurement?
Project
Students will use research to participate in a class debate.
Assessment
Develop an essay describing your viewpoint and encouraging your readers to become actively involved in supporting or not supporting the use of the metric system in the United States.
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