A few years ago, the Montgomery County MD Public School system (MCPS has
a little less than 140,000 students) stopped using dual units in science
classes. It now teaches and uses the SI in science classes exclusively,
rather than teach metric in math classes for a few days each year as it did
it the past.
The school system didn't try to teach and use the SI exclusively in
non-science classes.
All students in the MCPS need to take science classes and courses to
gradate high school. Therefore all students are intensively exposed to
learning and using the SI for graduation, and, they will be prepared for
the SI outside of science as metric becomes more common in places like
grocery and hardware stores..
Stan Doore
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Trusten" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 12:43 PM
Subject: [USMA:39250] Barbara Morgan, Teacher in Metric Space
Dear NCTM Officers and Members,
We of the U.S. Metric Association (USMA), Inc., join with you in
celebrating the voyage of Barbara Morgan, America's first teacher-space
traveler. But, it is to be noted that Ms. Morgan is traveling in the
direction of exclusive use of the metric system of measurement by U.S.
citizens in space, and it is time for NCTM to join in that effort here
on earth..
In January, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
announced that the metric system will be the exclusive system of
measurement used by U.S. participants in future lunar-exploration
operations. This decision was made to establish standardization of parts
and communications among the world's different space agencies that will
be working together on the moon. While America's view of the universe
has become clearer metrologically, the U.S. position on earth is one of
cumbersome isolation (please see attached map from the NASA
announcement; only the societies colored red do not use the metric
system for routine measurement).
It is my understanding that NCTM continues to insist upon a policy of
teaching both metric and non-metric systems of measurement in U.S.
classrooms. But, what of Ms. Morgan, and her opening of the U.S.
teacher's vision on an enivironment that uses only metric units? How
does NCTM reconcile its measurement teaching policy against what she
represents to you this morning, as she orbits the earth? Surely, the
pride you must feel for her success should be matched by the
understanding that, in her courageous journey, she is calling upon the
future of American education. According to NASA, that future uses only
the metric system, and I urge you to join that future now.
SI-ncerely,
--
Paul Trusten, R.Ph.
Public Relations Director
U.S. Metric Association, Inc.
www.metric.org
3609 Caldera Blvd., Apt. 122
Midland TX 79707-2872 USA
+1(432)528-7724
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://oleapothecary.blog.com
