Pirates Plunder the Kilogram- NISTory.xml NESTR_schema.xsd (Version 2)

Pirates Plunder the Kilogram- NISTory

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Description: This video sheds light on the historical challenges and quirky events that shaped America's adoption of the metric system. It follows the ill-fated journey of French citizen Joseph Dombey, tasked with delivering metric standards to the United States in the 18th century (1700’s). Despite setbacks like being captured by Caribbean pirates, NIST's role today in promoting the International System of Units (SI) measurement system underscores its commitment to scientific accuracy and international standards, crucial for modern trade, commerce, and industry.
Teaching tips:
  • 0 to 5 minutes teaching time
  • Use an interdisciplinary approach to connect history and STEM.
  • Ask students to identify key elements in the narrative that influenced the adoption to the metric system in the United States.
  • Lead a structured discussion on what could have happened had Joseph Dombey successfully delivered the measurement artifacts (meter and the grave, later renamed the kilogram) to the United States.
  • Joseph Dombey was hired by Thomas Jefferson, highlight other contributes Jefferson made in United States history.
Resource owner information:
  • Ben Stein
  • inquiries@nist.gov
  • Public Affairs
  • 10 - Director's Office (NISTDO)
  • 107 - Public Affairs Office
Resource dates:
  • Created on April 20, 2020
  • Last updated on July 11, 2024
  • Reviewed on July 11, 2024
Resource type:
  • Educational Resource: Other Multimedia
Resource format:
  • Video
School subject:
  • Other: Social Sciences
Keywords:
  • Metrication
  • Social Studies
  • Pop culture
  • Plunder
  • Length
  • Mass
Topic:
  • Other: STEM History
Instructional levels:
  • Primary (K-2)
  • Intermediate (3-5)
  • Middle (6-8)
  • High School (9-12)
Target audiences:
  • Students
  • Parents
  • Educators
  • General Public
Language:
  • English