This is the fifth in a series of reports from the U. S. Metric Study, conducted by the National Bureau of Standards, designed to cover the nonmanufacturing segment of the economy representing about 65 percent of the total U. S. employment: mining, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, construction, transportation, communications, utilities,…

This is the second in a series of reports from the U. S. Metric Study conducted by the National Bureau of Standards, focusing on the impact of universal adoption of the metric system on federal agencies other than the Department of Defense. Fifty-five such agencies participated in this survey, 20 percent of which anticipate increasing metric usage…

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the nature of metric estimation skill instruction affects prospective elementary and special education teachers' abilities to estimate metric length, area, and volume. Four types of estimation skills were identified by an estimation matrix. Three instructional strategies were selected: (1) a…

This is the seventh in a series of reports from the U. S. Metric Study, conducted by the National Bureau of Standards, focusing on the effects of increasing metric usage on the consumer American. Information on three areas--the level of knowledge of the American about the metric system, problems which would be encountered with a national policy of…

Describes several studies that challenge conventional wisdom regarding the teaching and learning of nonstandard and standard unit, rulers, and measurement sense. Discusses the educational implications of their results. (Author/CCM)

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…

Describes several developments in atomic clocks and frequency standards pointing out the feasibility and practicality in adopting a unified standard of time and frequency to replace other base standards of length, mass, and temperature. (GA)

A metric education project is described and evaluated. The project attempted to integrate a variety of components including grade objectives and activities, teacher training, and public relations. The report describes the model school and the target population, lists the metric education goals, and describes the project events and procedures.…

Two methods of instructing preservice elementary teachers in the metric system are compared in this study. In the laboratory method 28 subjects handled equipment and participated in measurement and estimation activities. The 29 subjects in the lecture demonstration group met as a class and individually recorded results of the same activities…

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…

Two questionnaires were given to a random sample of rural and urban elementary and secondary teachers as well as to mathematics methods students at the University of Nevada. The questionnaires were used to determine (1) the need for inservice and preservice metric education and (2) the present knowledge of the metric system of Nevada teachers. The…

This study was conducted in order to gain detailed information about teacher education programs related to the English and Australian conversions to the metric system of measurement. Information was gathered by review and analysis of relevant official and unofficial documents, and by intensive interviews of key persons involved in teacher…

This report lists the accomplishments of a metric leader training project, which include production of a training manual and a series of workshops. Major events and activities are also listed. The evaluation report includes summaries of biographic data and profiles of participants in training, data on cognitive and affective dimensions of…

The purposes of this study were to determine if preservice elementary teachers' attitude toward the metric system can be improved by completing metric units of instruction embedded in a methods course, and to investigate relationships among three types of training, attitude, and learning. The sample was comprised of 126 students in an…