Instruction of linear measurement skills to first and second graders is found to be more effective when taught in a manipulative context than in a graphic context. No differences are observed between manipulative and abstract instructional methods. (JMF)

Suggestions for familiarizing elementary teachers with the use of the metric system are given. These include a "stair-steps" method of converting units within the metric system and estimation and measurement activities using familiar everyday objects. (MN)

Some activities involving distances and diameters in the solar system are discussed. (MP)

This handbook has been compiled to provide a reference for teachers at all levels who are implementing the metric system in their classroom. It includes practical suggestions and recommendations for teaching the metric system, as well as papers identifying and discussing the fundamental mathematical and psychological issues underlying the teaching…

Suggestions are given for "living metric," with many activities appropriate for use in workshops for teachers and parents. A test is included, as well as tables to change common home measures to metric. (MNS)

This handbook, prepared in field-test version, is intended to provide in-service teachers with "guidance in the development of the basic concepts of measurement." The basic assumption on which this guidance is based is that "hands-on" experience is the most appropriate method of teaching metric measurement. An additional premise is that students…

This ERIC/SMEAC Newsletter contains a bibliography of 41 references concerning mathematics laboratories and 26 references on metrication that have been listed in RESEARCH IN EDUCATION, CURRENT INDEX TO JOURNALS IN EDUCATION, and other sources. (DT)

This book is designed as a report and an in-service tool for teachers of grades K-6. It is built around the idea that the standard textbook treatment of metric measurement gives rise to many misconceptions among primary grade children. This report is a record of the development of alternative methods for introducing measuring activities to…

It is essential in communicative situations for teachers and students to have comparable percepts. A paucity of information is available on the percepts held by children regarding quantities and intervals of distance, height, weight, time, temperature and volume or on improvement (if any) that occurs as children mature. Teachers cannot be…

This multi-level teacher's guide for the metric system was developed by a committee appointed by the Alabama Metric Education Advisory Council. It forms a core from which a comprehensive program of study and activities may be developed. Information in the guide includes: (1) a measurement overview; (2) goals and objectives of metric instruction,…