THE HISTORY OF MEASUREMENT

http://phrontistery.info/unit.html

http://atlantis.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles3/measure/

http://www.factmonster.com/encyclopedia/science/english-units-measurement-differences-between-american-british-systems.html 

http://www.factmonster.com/encyclopedia/science/english-units-measurement-customary-units-weights-measures.html

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The Need for Measurement

Terms: Weight,  Area,  Capacity,  Length,

            Light,  Time, Temperature, Force

Make sure you discuss the three time periods below for your particular measurement if possible.

Give examples, word origins, and changes through the years.

Ancient Forms of Measurement (2,000+ years ago)

Medieval Forms of Measurement  (1,000+ years ago)

Modern Forms of Measurement (Metric vs Standard)

Early measurements of length were based on parts of the human body: the length of a foot, the distance of a pace, a hand span, and the width of a finger or thumb. Because these lengths would not be the same for different individuals, at first there were no standard length measurements. Around 3000 BC the Egyptians introduced their royal cubit based on the length of the Pharaoh's forearm from the tip of his little finger. This was made from a granite rod against which others could copy to make their own measuring rods. Smaller lengths required subdivisions of the royal cubit. The hand, having a width of about 4 inches, is still used in measuring the height of horses.
Weights were based on the quantity of objects like seeds and beans. The term grain is used in measuring a small amount of a substance. The stone, equal to 14 pounds, is still used in some places.