systems of measurement

Question

How would you reply to a student who said, “Why do we need to study the metric system when it is harder and nobody uses it?”

Answer 1

The only countries that do not use the metric system are the US and UK. So if you were to travel it would be useful to know the metric system. For example, if you took a trip a France and rented a car you would need to be able to convert miles to kilometers.

As far as it being harder to understand, one might think that because they are familiar with using the imperial system. However, the metric system is much easier to understand because it uses the power of 10. It is also a more accurate form of measurement compared to our system. Which is why we see scientists using the metric system.

Answer 2

I think a great way to answer this question is to expose the students to places where it is used. You could do interactive "travels" to other countries, where you pretend as if your classroom is in another country. Then, you provide them with speed signs with km, distances, travel guides, etc.

In track, there are races such as the 100m dash, 400m, 800m 1600 and 3200 m race.

Exposing them to its relevance helps them to see its use instead of feeling as it it being pushed onto them and something that they just need to learn.

Answer 3

Certainly powers of 10 are more comprehensible than 12 inches to a foot, 3 feet to a yard, 5,280 feet to a mile.

As far as "nobody" using it, it is a standard in the scientific community and all countries outside of the UK and USA.