An activity designed to introduce the metric system to fourth graders begins by asking students to use metric measurement to mea
sure the length of their foot, their height, and the length of the classroom. It then asks them to use a thermometer and record the temperature of the classroom in degrees Celsius and to use a metric scale to weigh themselves in kilograms. Why is this activity a good way to introduce the metric system?
This activity suits the interest in real-life experiences that young adolescents demonstrate.
Explanation:
The units of length are the most basic units of measurement which are used commonly in daily life. Weight and temperature are the next units of importance in a person's life.
When people think about distance they visualize what it looks like by comparing with known quantities.
For example, when we 20 fl oz we think about a coke bottle.
So, this thinking needs to be changed to the metric system.
