Historical measures and the introduction of the metric system (signed)
Description
A description of the measures used for weight, length and volume in the past, such as cubits, spans, feet, grains of barley, stones and pints. The metric system was introduced to standardise weights and measures.
Classroom Ideas
The clip could be paused when the presenter has finished describing the historical methods of measuring but has not yet revealed the problem with these. Students could work in groups to measure a range of objects using these methods. Each group should measure the same objects and compare results. Students could consider why the results differed. The rest of the clip could be played and students could measure the objects again using standard units. This time students should find they all have the same results.
Measurement
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