How many ways can you think of in which measuring is important? When you buy paint, it is often sold in pints and gallons. When you put air in your bike tires, it is measured by the pound. When you walk or ride to school, the distance is measured in miles. When you go to the doctor, your height is logged in feet and inches. While you wait for a friend who is late, you measure the time in minutes, hours, and days. Our measuring tools identify size, shape, weight, distance, density, and volume, among other things.
When did people first discover that they needed a measuring system? No one knows for sure, but situations probably occurred during daily life that made it seem like a good idea. Some means of measuring a pole used to support a tent was probably necessary. Measuring materials used to make garments was also probably required. Can you think of others?
Ancient Egyptian wall paintings show people measuring by means of the cubit, and evidence for other early measuring systems has also survived. Over time, less efficient or accurate systems were abandoned, and colonizers brought their own systems into distant parts of the world. Today, two systems are most commonly used, the customary (English) and metric measuring systems.
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For this WebQuest, your job is to investigate different measurement systems, how they developed, and the ways in which they are or were used. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.
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Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
- The ancient Hebrew hin is equal to how many liters?
- Which of the basic Roman numerals are most frequently used today?
- On what were the first units of measurement, such as the cubit, based?
- How was the meter first defined?
- What is the Paris point used to measure?
- What is absolute zero on the Celsius scale?
- The first Egyptian calendar was based on a lunar cycle. Then it was abandoned. On what was the new calendar based?
- What does the legendary hero Hercules have to do with the Greek measurement system?
- What is a witness tree?
- When were mechanical clocks first invented?
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Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. You may use additional sites if you wish. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.
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A couple different activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you’ve gained by going on this WebQuest.
- Although metric measures are used in the U.S., the customary (English) system is still widely preferred. As a class, hold a panel discussion on reasons why the U.S. has not converted to metrics. What are the advantages and disadvantages to conversion as opposed to maintaining things as they are?
- Investigate one of the following topics and write a report based on your findings. Be sure to cite your sources.
-The importance of measurement in giving fair value to consumers of goods.
-The importance of measurement in the standardization of screws and other fasteners used in manufacturing.
- Create a display showing differences between several metric and customary sizes. For example, you could show liter- and quart-sized bottles and how much more liquid the quart bottle holds.
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