Metric System
a WebQuest for 7-10 grade
Science
Deborah L. Folis
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Introduction
| Task
| The
Process | Resources
|
Evaluation | Conclusion
Introduction
This project will cover the history of the metric system,
symbols, prefixes, and unit conversions. Comparisons can be made by using the
history of the U.S. System and the Metric System. Common measurements and
units used in Physics are also found in this project. A better understanding
of how America can amend the metric system is also covered in this
project.
Task
- Be able to identify units, prefixes, and types of metric
systems.
- Answer questions in your groups from the perspective of
your role.
- Present a plan for converting the U.S. to the metric
system from your roles point of view.
- Write a letter to a political representative, business
leader locally or nationally, and present you plan for converting the U.S.
to the metric System.
The Process:
Part of your job in this WebQuest is to take on a role of a
presenter and propose a sure fire method to converting the United States to
the Metric System as opposed to the current U.S. System. You will be working
together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer questions
that will help them establish a viewpoint based on their group's role. You
will also present a plan for the system conversion. As a member of the group
you will explore web pages that explain the various issues about the United
States converting to the metric system. These sites will provide information
that will help you support your role. The third assignment will be to write a
letter explaining your perspective and how your plan can be used to make the
conversion for the U.S. to the metric system possible.
You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some
background information on the history of the metric system, the units,
prefixes, and how the metric system would effect your assigned role. You will
become knowledgeable on the aspects that pertain to your role in the debate by
reading and exploring links to web pages. Then you can present your case to
the rest of the class on the debate.
Phase 1 - Background: For everyone
Use the resources that you have access to so that you can
explore the history,types of metric systems used,and facts associated with the
resistance of converting to the Metric System.
A
concise reference guide to the Metric System (SI)ions:
history, prefixes, and units used in SI
Melting Pot of information:
Metric System: history, modern metric system, and measurements
Physics
Tutorial - Measurement & the Metric System: common units used in
Physics
Phase 2 - Look at the Roles and their
perspectives
Instructions:
1. The WebQuest groups will take on one of the following
roles: Commercial Users, General Users, and Scientific Users.
2. Read through each of the files linked to your role. If you
print out the files, highlight,the passages that you feel related to your
role. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are
important to your role.
3. Be able to make a generalization of all the information
pertinent to your role. Use this information to strengthen your views to
present a perspective bases on the information you have gained.
Roles:
Commercial Users: This would include those who
manufacture products that are sold in the U.S. as well as overseas. It could
be private companies or government agencies. Some examples would be farmers,
manufactures, or producers.
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these
questions specifically related to Commercial Users:
1. Why is it necessary for the USA to change to the metric
system?
2. Why can't companies make standard measured products to
sell within the USA and make metric measured products to sell outside the
united states?
3. Why don't we accept the Metric System as it in now used in
other countries?
4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of converting to
the Metric System.
5. What would be a plan for converting all of the United
States to metric as opposed to standard?
Questions and Answers About the Metric System
The Metric System "Amended" for America
(this link is dead: it points to
http://home.earthlink.net/~metricusa/question.html )
General Users: This role would include those who would
use the metric system in everyday activities. Examples are sports events,
household users, mechanic, woodworkers, builders, students, or
teachers.
1. What are the benefits of converting every measurement to
metric instead of a combination of standard and metric?
2. What are some examples of items that are measured in a
standard measurement and some items that are measured in a metric measurement,
and some items that are measured in both?
3. Why is the government making the metric
transition?
4. How can I remember the metric units.
5. What would be a plan for converting all of the United
States to metric as opposed to standard?
Monster
Chef's Unit Converts: comparisons of U.S. System and Metric System
Go Metric: about the
U.S. conversion to metric, associations, and National metric Week
Scientific Users: This role would include those
in the areas of research as well as those who are studying in the medical
professions.
1. What are the benefits of the U.S. using a total metric
system for measurement?
2. How difficult will it be for people to learn the metric
system?
3. Why is the federal government making the metric
transition?
4. What would be a plan for converting all of the United
States to metric as opposed to standard?
Physics
Tutorial - Measurement & the Metric System: common units used in
Physics
Metric System "Amended" for
America: system conversion for America (this links works)
It points to http://home.earthlink.net/~metricusa/
Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching
Consensus
Each WebQuest team has learned about a different role in
the metric conversion issue, and has gained information to form their own
perspective. Now you will apply your knowledge to create a presentation that
will explain your conclusion based on your role's view. Using various forms of
technology to present your plan for converting all of the United States to The
Metric System. You will need to convince others that this is a necessary
improvement from your role's point of view. This plan needs to be complete so
that it may be used to build upon a future assignment.
Phase 4 -Real World Feedback
You and your classmates have learned a lot by dividing up
into different roles. Now you will write a letter and sent it for real world
feedback. Each of you will write a letter that contains opinions, information,
and perspectives that you gained. Here's the process:
1. Begin your letter with a statement of who you are and why
you are writing your message to your Congressman, Professional Organization,
or local government.
2. Give background information that shows you understand the
topic of metric conversation. Include some sources.
State The Task/ Questions And Your Conclusion.
3. In your letter, try to include several factors that will
support your opinion and plan. Encourage this person or organization to use
your plan for support of the conversion.
4. Have your letter proofed and graded Be sure to save a copy
of your final letter before sending it out.
Use the following link to look at an example of a letter to a
representative:
Example letter
Use these additional resources for any of the assignments in
this WebQuest
Resources:
A
concise reference guide to the Metric System (SI)ions:
history, prefixes, and units used in SI
Melting Pot of information:
Metric System: history, modern metric system, and measurements
Physics
Tutorial - Measurement & the Metric System: common units used in
Physics
Metric System "Amended" for
America: system conversion for America
Teachers. Net Lesson
Exchange: The Metric System: one week lesson on metric system
Monster
Chef's Unit Converts: comparisons of U.S. System and Metric System
Go Metric: about the
U.S. conversion to metric, associations, and National metric Week
Conversions:
history, prefixes, questions on various units.
Evaluation
The learners will be evaluated by the of rubric assessment.
There will be three grades given for this WebQuest activity:
|
Group Participation
|
Oral Presentation |
Letter Writing |
|
Contribution to effort of the group |
Organization and Content |
Content and information |
|
Helps organize information |
Speaking Skills and Audience Response |
Writers Perspective |
|
Cooperated with all members of the group |
Creativity, graphics, Materials |
Written Presentation |
Conclusion
Now that you have developed a plan from the information in
this WebQuest, continue to share your plan for a total conversion of the U.S.
to the Metric System. By your continued support of this conversion you can
help move the U.S. to a modern and systematic method of measurement for the
21st Century.
