Description and Purpose:
The International System of Units (SI), commonly known as the metric system, is easy to use and learn when taught using metric tools. The ability to interpret measurement scales, magnitude, and approximate a quantity are essential Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) competencies.
This 1.5-hour session will explore NIST Metric Program education publications and other resources teachers, parents, and students can download and freely reproduce. These resources are helpful to students as they become familiar with metric units, develop measurement quantity reference points, and learn more about SI basics.
National Metric Week, a collaboration between the NIST Metric Program and the U.S. Metric Association (USMA) will be discussed, as well as related USMA online education resources that include scholarships, awards, national Science Fair Program, and the Certified Metrication Specialist Program.
To promote collaboration among members of the same organization, for example teachers within the same U.S. school, grade, or subject, “Group” participation in a webinar session from a centralized facility location can be pre-arranged with the course Instructor, on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact thesi [at] nist.gov (TheSI[at]nist[dot]gov).
Course Info
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, using your notes, you will be able to:
- LIST five best practices for teaching the International System of Units (SI), commonly known as the metric system.
- DESCRIBE how you will use at least one SI education publication or resource to educate students in a traditional classroom, distance learning environment, or community outreach event.
- REQUEST a free NIST Metric Teacher Kit.
- PREPARE to celebrate National Metric Week (the 10th month of the year and the week containing the 10th day).
Audience
This session is ideal for K-12 educators and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) professionals and other outreach ambassadors responsible for instructing middle school students on measurement techniques and STEAM careers. Parents and academic coaches who assist with student homework completion and science fair participation may also attend.
General Info and Requirements
Course Sign-up and Confirmation
- Identify a Scheduled Class – Review the OWM Training and Events calendar to identify a scheduled class for this course.
- Request a Scheduled Class – After creating an OWM Contacts System account, request a class in the OWM Contacts System or login to your existing account. View the videos below for detailed instructions.
- Request an Unscheduled Course – To indicate your interest in an unscheduled course, visit the OWM Contacts System Menu to review “Courses,” select the Course title, and submit your interest. Unscheduled course requests are periodically reviewed by the instructor. Classes for a course may be scheduled based on the level of participant interest. OWM schedules classes when the minimum number of orders are received.
- For additional information, please see the Training FAQs or OWM Contacts System Help, or email your questions to owm [at] nist.gov (owm[at]nist[dot]gov).
Minimum Requirement (s)
Successful completion includes participation in all activities and discussions. Session participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance (does not include participant name or CEUs) by email after the session. Attendance is recorded in the unofficial transcript, which is available in the OWM Contacts System.
Technology Requirement (s)
Microsoft Teams requirements:
- Computer. At least a 1.1 GHz, two-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and 3GB of hard drive space for basic use. For a better experience, especially with video, a more powerful processor like a 4-core model is recommended.
- Software and Operating System. The operating system must be a supported version of Windows, macOS, or Linux, or a mobile OS like Android or iOS.
- Windows: Windows 11, Windows 10 (excluding LTSC), Windows 10 on ARM, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2012 R2.
- macOS: Check the specific requirements for the version of macOS you are using.
- Linux: Teams for Linux is available as a progressive web app (PWA) and works on supported desktop environments like GNOME or KDE.
- Mobile: Supported on the last four major versions of Android and the last two major versions of iOS.
- Internet Network (Bandwidth): A fast internet connection is recommended for video calls and screen sharing. Microsoft recommends a minimum of 10 mbps up/down per Teams Room. Teams prioritizes audio over video quality.
- Display. Minimum 1024x768 resolution.
- Video camera. USB 2.0.
- Speakers.
- Microphone.
Return to Metric Training
