This paper gives a brief history of measurement systems and of the controversy surrounding the adoption of the metric system as the standard system in the United States. The metric study called for by legislation in 1968 is described, and recommendations for a coordinated national program to change to the metric system are outlined. Some…

The difference between weight and mass, the desirability of "metric only" instruction, and the importance of decimals are among the topics discussed in this paper presented at a metric education conference. Comments on the potential of SI metric as a universal language and on efficient methods of converting to the metric system also are included.…

General suggestions are given for teaching the metric system; a description of materials available from the Metric Association and information on ordering them are included. (DT)

This paper provides an historical account of the development of the International System of Units (SI), a complete listing of these units, and rules concerning their use and proper abbreviation. Ambiguities concerning the use of the system are explained. Appendices contain conversion factors for U.S. - British to SI units along with several…

This booklet is written for the non-technical person and is oriented around the needs of everyday life. The relative size of metric units of measure is illustrated through common and familiar objects. This informal approach provides an introduction to units of distance measure, volume, weight, and temperature in the metric system. Part II of this…

Although this pamphlet is intended as background material for teachers in English primary schools changing to the System International d'Unites (SI units), the form of the metric system being adopted by the United Kingdom, the educational implications of the change and the lists of apparatus suitable for use with children up to 14 years of age are…

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

The minimum number and type of whole-unit weights needed to balance any object is extended to the situation where weights may be placed on both pans of a balance scale. (DT)

The chief pedagogical advantages of the metric system are discussed as being its coherency and an aid to learning. The reasons for converting to the metric system are discussed. (MP)

Sequential grade-level objectives for instruction in the metric system are listed. (SD)