Contextualization
The magnitude of things around us needs to be expressed quantitatively so that we can better understand the world. For this purpose, measurement systems have been developed. The metric system and the imperial system are two of the most widely used measurement systems. The metric system adopts standardized units of measurement, such as meters for length and grams for weight, while the imperial system uses units such as feet for length and pounds for weight.
The metric system, also known as the International System of Units (SI), is used globally and is the preferred system in almost all countries. Its units are divided into multiples and submultiples of 10, which makes unit calculation and conversion very simple and straightforward. Generally, this is the system we study in school and use in our daily lives.
On the other hand, the imperial system is mainly used in countries like the United States and is historically linked to the British measurement system. The units in this system may seem complicated to us, who are used to the ease of the decimal system, but it is important to understand how this system works, as many measurements in texts and imported products come in this system.
Both systems have their unique properties and specific uses. Knowing both measurement systems is essential as it helps us understand and interpret measurements, no matter where we are or what the context is. Furthermore, the measurement system is widely applied in various areas, from science and engineering to the retail sector and daily services.
To delve deeper into the topic and develop a solid understanding, students are encouraged to use the following resources:
- Metric System and Imperial System (Khan Academy)
- The American and British Measurement System (Só Matemática)
- Book: BEZERRA, Manoel Jairo. Matemática e Realidade 7th grade. 7th ed. São Paulo: Ática, 2016.
Practical Activity
Activity Title: Understanding Metric and Imperial Comparison
Project Objective
This activity aims to provide students with the opportunity to work on a practical project, applying and developing a solid understanding of unit conversion between the metric and imperial systems.
Detailed Project Description
Each group is responsible for creating a manual that will serve as a guide for unit conversion between the metric and imperial systems. The manual should contain information about each system and conversion tables for the most commonly used units (length, weight, volume, etc.). Additionally, students must select at least five common objects (notebook, pencil, water bottle, etc.), measure these objects using both units of measurement, and record their findings in the manual.
Required Materials
- Ruler graduated in cm and inches
- Scale capable of weighing in grams and pounds
- Tape measure
- Computer with Internet access
- Paper and pencil
Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution
- Formation of groups of 3 to 5 students.
- Preliminary research on the metric and imperial systems.
- Data collection: Choose and measure objects in both measurement systems.
- Elaboration of conversion tables for the chosen topics.
- Manual writing: each object should have a page. This page should have the object description and its measurements in the metric and imperial systems. Additionally, it should also contain a conversion table for the physical quantity to which the object's measurement refers.
- Manual review and finalization.
- Preparation of the project report.
Project Deliverables
Students must deliver the conversion manual in physical or digital format, along with a written report describing the project process. The written report should have the following topics: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.
In the Introduction, students should contextualize the metric system and the imperial system, highlighting the importance of knowing both systems. Additionally, they should specify the project's objective.
In the Development, students should explain in detail the activity carried out, the data collection methodology, and how they elaborated the conversion tables, presenting and discussing the results obtained.
In the Conclusions, students should summarize the main points of the report, explaining the learnings obtained, the difficulties faced during the project, and the conclusions drawn about both systems.
In the Bibliography, all research sources used for the manual and report should be listed.
