Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Metric vs. Imperial System

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students understand the fundamentals of the metric and imperial measuring systems and are able to apply that knowledge in practical situations. By developing these skills, students will be better prepared to handle real-world problems they will encounter in the job market, where conversion between measuring systems is a frequently required competence.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the difference between the metric system and the imperial system.

2. Solve problems using units from the imperial system.

3. Convert units from the imperial system to the metric system using specific formulas.

Side Objectives

1. Develop fast and accurate calculation skills.
2. Familiarize themselves with everyday situations where the imperial system is used.

Introduction

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students understand the fundamentals of the metric and imperial measuring systems and are able to apply that knowledge in practical situations. By developing these skills, students will be better prepared to handle real-world problems they will encounter in the job market, where conversion between measuring systems is a frequently required competence.

Contextualization

The metric system and the imperial system are different ways of measuring length, mass, volume, and temperature. While the metric system is widely used around the world, including Brazil, the imperial system is predominant in the United States and some other countries. Understanding the difference between these systems is crucial, as we often encounter cooking recipes, furniture assembly instructions, and even technical specifications that use the imperial system.

Curiosities and Market Connection

 Curiosities: The imperial system has deep historical roots and is based on ancient measurements used in the British Empire. For example, an inch was originally based on the width of a thumb. In the job market, especially in multinational companies or in international trade, there is often a need to convert measurements between systems. Engineers, scientists, chefs, and even logistics professionals frequently perform these conversions to ensure accuracy and quality in their work.

Initial Activity

▶️ Initial Activity: Show a short video (3-4 minutes) that depicts everyday situations where the imperial system is used, such as in cooking recipes from the U.S. or furniture assembly instructions. Then ask the provocative question: 'Why is it important to know how to convert between different measurement systems?' Have students briefly discuss in pairs and share their ideas with the class.

Development

Duration: 50 - 55 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to allow students to practice and solidify their knowledge of the metric and imperial measurement systems through practical and challenging activities. By applying the conversion formulas in real situations, students develop skills that are directly applicable in the job market and in everyday contexts, increasing their ability to solve problems accurately and efficiently.

Covered Topics

1. Differences between the metric system and the imperial system
2. Units of measurement in the imperial system (inches, feet, miles, pounds, ounces)
3. Units of measurement in the metric system (meters, kilometers, grams, liters)
4. Conversion formulas between the two systems
5. Practical applications of measurement systems in the job market

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how a lack of knowledge of conversion between measurement systems can impact daily life and the job market. For example, ask how an error in conversion could affect a cooking recipe or the assembly of furniture. Facilitate a discussion on the importance of precision when dealing with different units of measurement and how this can influence the quality and safety of products and services.

Mini Challenge

Maker Challenge: Building a Mini-Library

Students will work in groups to build a mini-library using instructions that mix measurements in metric and imperial systems. The goal is to apply the knowledge gained about unit conversion in practice.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
2. Provide a mini-library project with instruction measurements in metric and imperial systems (e.g., shelves of 30 cm and 12 inches, height of 1 meter and 3 feet, etc.).
3. Ask the students to use rulers and measuring tapes to convert the measurements and cut the materials accordingly.
4. Guide the students to assemble the mini-library following the converted measurement instructions.
5. Circulate around the room to offer support and ensure students are making the conversions correctly.
6. At the end, ask each group to present their mini-library and explain the conversions they performed.

Objective: Apply knowledge of conversion between measurement systems in a practical project, reinforcing the understanding of conversion formulas and the importance of precision.

Duration: 35 - 40 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. Exercise 1: Convert 5 feet to meters.
2. Exercise 2: Convert 10 inches to centimeters.
3. Exercise 3: A recipe calls for 2 pounds of flour. Convert this measure to grams.
4. Exercise 4: A car travels 15 miles. Convert this distance to kilometers.
5. Exercise 5: Convert 3 liters of water to gallons (imperial system).

Conclusion

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students have a clear and consolidated understanding of the content presented, reinforcing the practical application of the knowledge acquired. This promotes reflection on the importance of the developed skills and prepares students to face real challenges, both in personal and professional life.

Discussion

Facilitate a final discussion, encouraging students to reflect on what they learned during the lesson. Ask how understanding the metric and imperial measurement systems can impact their daily lives and future careers. Ask students about the challenges they faced during the mini-library building mini-challenge and how they resolved the conversion problems. Promote an exchange of ideas about the importance of precision in conversions and how errors can affect quality and safety in different contexts.

Summary

Recap the key points covered in the lesson: the differences between the metric system and the imperial system, the units of measurement for each system, the conversion formulas between the two systems, and their practical applications. Emphasize the ability to solve problems using units from the imperial system and the conversion to the metric system.

Closing

Explain that the lesson connected theory and practice by providing an opportunity to apply conversion knowledge in a real project. Highlight the relevance of this knowledge in the job market and everyday life, emphasizing that the ability to perform accurate conversions is fundamental in various professions and everyday situations.