Describes a 45-minute module to instruct elementary school teachers in teaching the metric system. (CS)

A step-by-step procedure for converting a secondhand platform balance to the metric system is outlined for use as a student project. (MP)

This activity, for grades 7-12, requires students to lay out an arena for training horses. To do this the students compute the sum of metric linear measures, compute the circumference of circles and semi-circles, and use the Pythagorean Theorem. (BB)

Three examples are presented which involve constructions employing a compass, a centimeter ruler, and a calculator. Employing mathematical tools to support understanding and discovery of mathematical principles is viewed as being clearly a desire of mathematics educators, but it is felt such tools are not frequently used to their fullest. (MP)

Sections look at: (1) Historical Perspective; (2) Naming the New System; (3) The Metric Units; (4) Measuring Larger and Smaller Amounts; (5) Advantage of Using the Metric System; (6) Metric Symbols; (7) Conversion from Metric to Customary System; (8) General Hints for Helping Children Understand; and (9) Current Status of Metric Conversion. (MP)

A series of situations is suggested incorporating hands-on activities involving concrete experiences with measurement. It is felt that the activities used to teach mathematics and science at the Middle School level need to be specifically suited for the young adolescent. Extensions are possible for in-depth investigations for more advanced…

Two activities in which students use the human body to collect meaningful data that will be used symbolically in the form of sets of equations to search for patterns in nature are described. The mathematics and science concepts/skills, background information, objectives, lesson outline, and extensions are included. (KR)

Presents a historical and content background of the metric system. Describes 1 of a series of integrated hands-on lessons for grades 4-7 to teach the measuring of volume with metrics. Provides a worksheet for the lesson and a concept map of the metric system. (MDH)

An activity in which students establish criteria outlining what constitutes wasted paper, calculate averages, and compute the number of trees needed to produce a measured amount of wasted paper is described. The mathematics and science concepts, objectives, rationale, content overview, lesson outline, and extensions are included. (KR)