I am motivated to write this article because, in the past, I have come across supporters of metrication, some of whom with teaching experience, who say that only decimals should be taught rather than both fractions and decimals in elementary mathematics in school.
Continue reading “Should we forget fractions and only use decimal?”
Although Australia is predominantly metric, there are still some pockets of imperial usage. Ronnie C recently visited that country and has written this account of what he found.
The UK Metric Association has issued the following press release:
Continue reading “Survey exposes the failure of measurement policy in the UK”
The obligatory use of pints and prescribed fractions thereof for draught beer and cider alongside the absence of restrictions when sold in cans and bottles creates anomalies and confusion. What can be done to remove these anomalies without creating new ones?
Fifteen years ago, on 1 January 1999, the euro was introduced as an accounting currency. Notes and coins were introduced three years later. Whilst there are arguments for and against the euro, and UKMA takes no position on this issue, no one challenged at the time that the single currency would be decimal.
Those who are frustrated by the UK’s apparent reluctance to fully adopt the international system of measurement won’t be surprised to learn that this echoes events of 260 years ago, when Britain became one of the last countries in Western Europe to adopt the calendar we use today.
Continue reading “New Year’s Day, and Britain late for the celebration”
In its response to a recent BBC consultation the UK Metric Association (UKMA) has called on the BBC to live up to its declared mission and hence to support – and not to undermine – the exclusively metric National Measurement System.
Continue reading “BBC told to stop undermining the National Measurement System”
Both the Consumers’ Association (aka Which?) and the Government’s Business Department have claimed the credit for the success of their campaign to persuade supermarkets to price goods transparently. But who actually started the campaign? and is it enough?
Continue reading “Which? and Government claim credit for UKMA campaign”
Metric Views’ attention has been drawn to a Victorian piece of legislation under which signs may be authorised.
Continue reading “Salisbury points to a solution (and to a problem)”
In its White Paper today (26 November 2013) the Scottish Government has tried to reassure nervous sceptics with a list of things that they hope a future independent Scotland would keep. Widely reported have been the Queen, the pound sterling , membership of the EU, membership of NATO (all these subject to negotiation), free travel to the rest of the British Isles, the BBC, Royal Mail (albeit renationalised). But there is one item in the list that has not attracted much attention …
Metric Views 