How measurement systems developed is briefly reviewed, followed by comments on the international conversion to the metric system and a lengthier discussion of the history of the metric controversy in the U.S. Statements made by supporters of the customary and metric systems are listed. The role of education is detailed in terms of teacher…

This study was undertaken in order to gather information concerning conversion to the metric system by other countries which might be useful in planning for conversion by the United States. Representatives of organizations in five countries (United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Canada) which had recently converted to the…

This study was concerned with identification of elementary school grade levels appropriate for teaching various phases of the metric system. The same unit was taught to 201 elementary school children in grades three through six. Pretests and posttests were used to assess progress made by students in developing skills and understandings related to…

In an attempt to prepare students for units analysis in the solution of problems in high school chemistry and physics, the author developed learning packets on the factor label method. Thirty-three students used these packets individually during a regular tenth-grade geometry class. There were two packets, each to be used for two days. Prior to…