I agree, that was my point. This was a math test. Much of the Science work I
see at the elementary level and, if I recall, most of the 8th grade science
work my son does is in SI.
Howard Ressel
Project Design Engineer, Region 4
(585) 272-3372
>>> Bill Hooper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 03/13/07 12:31 PM >>>
On 2007 Mar 13 , at 11:43 AM, STANLEY DOORE wrote:
> The test example ...
> They should have questions using the SI in science applications.
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Howard Ressel"
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>> For example, Sally walked 200 m Bill walked 2 km, how far did
>> they walk together.
I disagree with Stanley's criticism of the New York test Howard
described. We need to introduce children to the perfectly normal way
in which metric units are used in ordinary affairs. Using metric
distances instead of Ye Olde English feet for a simple question in
addition, with necessary unit conversion (2 km to 2000 m), is just
what is needed at an elementary level.
It is not the sophisticate power of a fully rationalized system that
is necessary for the average student or adult consumer. It is plain
and simple situations like "how far did they walk together" or how
many 200 mL glasses of milk can we fill from a 2 L milk jug" etc.
that are needed. These give the necessary practice at using the
simple, common metric units and also show how large these units are
on a human scale by describing realistic situations where they are
used. (Thus, students learn that either 200 m or 2 km are reasonable
distance to walk, and that a couple hundred millilitres is a
reasonable size for a glass or a cup and two litres is one
appropriate size for serving containers for drinks.)
Sure, when the are studying science, the use of newtons of force and
kilograms of mass would be necessary to calculate an acceleration in
metres per second squared in a physics class, but that's not
something we should be doing in 3rd grade arithmetic.
Regards,
Bill Hooper
Fernandina Beach, Florida, USA
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Make It Simple; Make It Metric!
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