Why the Metric System Matters
For the majority of recorded human history, units like the weight of a grain or the length of a hand weren’t exact and varied from place to place. Now, consistent measurements are such an integral part of our daily lives that it’s hard to appreciate what a major accomplishment for humanity they’ve been. Matt Anticole traces the wild history of the metric system.
Ponder this...
- What might common French citizens have liked about the metric system when it was adopted? What might they have disliked? Why?
- What circumstances during the French Revolution allowed the metric system to gain support?
Dig Deeper
There have been many efforts throughout the years to ‘make America metric’. The biggest push in recent history came as a result of a three-year study in the late 1960’s. This came to the conclusion that America was already on the road to ‘metrification’ (the official adoption and usage of the metric system) and that the trend should be officially encouraged and standardized.
An animated (if you can really call it that) mini-movie entitled ‘Metric America’ was released in 1973 with the overall goal of pushing for the metrication of America. The video offers a charming insight into the metric-supporters of that time. Watch this movie to see how they felt.
An animated (if you can really call it that) mini-movie entitled ‘Metric America’ was released in 1973 with the overall goal of pushing for the metrication of America. The video offers a charming insight into the metric-supporters of that time. Watch this movie to see how they felt.
Answer the following questions:
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of America adopting the metric system?
- How would America go about adopting the metric system? How hard would that be?
Videos for more information:
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Share your new knowledge!
Design and create an infographic / poster/ slideshow/ imovie/ other visual convincing the American public we should adopt the metric system. |
Design and create an infographic / poster/ slideshow/ imovie/ other visual convincing the American public that we should NOT adopt the metric system. |
Write and perform a skit illustrating the advantages or disadvantage of adopting the metric system. |
Write and perform a debate discussing the issue of adopting the metric system. |
Write a story where the characters are living in an America which uses the metric system. |
Design a comic strip explaining the advantages or disadvantages of using the metric system. |
Source: Why the metric system matters - Matt Anticole http://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-the-metric-system-matters-matt-anticole via @TED_ED