Re: Units and Conversions

[Daniel Price <dprice@JEFFCO.K12.CO.US>]

> In my applied math class we are working on different units and unit c=
> onversions.  I will start the metric system in a couple days.  Would =
> it be worth it to the students to bring in a meter, a kilogram, and a=
>  liter?

I would think that such an approach could only help.  Most of us in the
United States have strong concepts of "standard" quantities (miles, feet,
pounds, gallons) and can thus estimate or at least comprehend the magnitude
of measurements in the English system.  Calculating in meters, kilograms,
and other SI units is not the same as understanding their scale, however;
examples and activities which "emphasize the size" of SI units should go a
long way toward instilling a necessary sense of proportion.

> Also, the math book uses weight and mass nearly interchangeably.  Sho=
> uld I just go along or teach them properly?  My inclining as a physic=
> ist is to teach them correctly but realistically I don't think they a=
> re going to get it.

I prefer to tell the difficult truth rather than the simple lie.  Some
students may not understand the difference, but many will (I hope), and you
have thus not shortchanged them intellectually.