The teacher must introduce the metric system to the student in a clear and rational way. Traditional methods of teaching the metric system use dimensional analysis, proportional reasoning, or mnemonics — all of which can easily confuse the chemistry student and are easily forgettable.<br/>Teaching the metric system as the simple manipulation of sound mathematical principles enables the student to understand the metric system in a way that stands on its own. By calling upon basic mathematical knowledge the student already has, he or she becomes more confident in his or her ability to use the metric system. Through a concept journal, the teacher guides the student toward his or her own definition of the metric prefixes.

Writing across the curriculum: Concept journals as a means to teach the metric system

249th National Meeting (2015)

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