Process
1. Your first task is to create a "Trivial Facts Test" on the history of the Customary and Metric systems of measurement. Your test needs to include 20 questions about the Customary and the Metric system of measurement. Record your interesting facts as you review the web sites provided. Type your final test on the computer or write it neatly on paper. Attach answers to your test.
2.Now you need to practice some conversion problems before taking a short quiz. Go to the Drill and Practice Sections for Customary and Metric Units. You will need to turn in the answers to questions 6-10 on the Customary length, weight, and capacity quizzes.You may chose 5 questions from the Meric quiz. Make sure you copy down the problem.
3.You are now an expert on Customary and Metric Units of Measurement. Try to create a new and better unit of measurement for length. Provide a some conversons for your new unit. Include one conversion in the customary system and one in the metric system.
Example: 1 gorf = 10minigorfs 1gorf= 3 inches
4. Now it is time to test your new unit. Find a rectangular shaped object to measure (i.e desk top, top of book, window, etc.). Sketch the figure. Find and record the length and width of your object in customary, metric, and your unit. Find the perimeter and area in all three units. Was your new unit easier to use? If not you may want to redesign it making it shorter or longer.
5. Make an accurate and neat scale drawing of the rectangular figure you just measured. Include the scale in customary, metric, and your new unit. Attach your work from task #4 to the scale drawing in order to receive full credit.
6. Do you want to win the $1,000,000 prize money? Write a persuasive letter to the National Mathematics and Science Council convincing them that your newly discovered unit is easier to use when measuring length than the metric or customary system. Include a description of your unit, some historical facts, and some evidence to backup your opinion. You may write or type your letter. Remember the council members are elderly and can't read papers that are not legible.
Explore the following links to help you complete the above tasks.
Measurement History, Drill, and Practice
Math Vocabulary & Example Problems