HE-126
Metrics in the Kitchen
Mary Darling
WHAT IS THE METRIC SYSTEM?
Since the 1890's, the metric system of weights and measures has been the official United States system, but we have not succeeded in converting our everyday lives to the metric system. The United States is the only major nation not using the metric system. In the long n our position in world trade would benefit by using metric measures.
Developed in France at the time of the Revolution (1790's), the metric system has been refined in many ways. The up-to-date version, on which the nations of the world have agreed, is called Systeme International Unites (SI) or the International Metric System.
During the past few years, the United States government asked many citizens, professional groups, and industry to study the question of whether the United States should convert to the metric system. After weighing evidence presented by participants, it was commended that the United States should change to the metric system through a coordinated national program. Legislation was signed by President Ford in December 1975 creating a federal metric board that will coordinate the voluntary change to the use of metric units of measurement.
Scientists and engineers have used the metric system in this country for years. You too may be using the metric system. For example, the width of photographic film is expressed in millimeters and skis are sold in centimeter sizes. Have you ever run 100 meters or followed a diet that counted grams of carbohydrate or protein? These metric terms are familiar.
Both the customary system and the metric system will coexist in our homes for many years with some people feeling more comfortable with one than the other. Eventually, the marketplace will require everyone to use the metric system. For example, could a gas station attendant put 40 liters of gasoline into a car? How many kilograms of potatoes will you buy to feed the family this week?
Changing our system of weights and measures is like giving up a comfortable pair of shoes. The change can be made a little easier by preparing for it, such as becoming acquainted with words used in the metric system.
FIVE STAGES TOWARD ADOPTION
There is a difference between being familiar with a system and being able to use it without converting; the goal, in this case, is to think in metric rather than customary measurement.
Margaret Warning, in an article in the Journal of Home Economics, December 1972, said that researchers have found five stages people advance through before they adopt a new habit—in this case, using the metric system.
The first stage in learning to "think metric" begins when a person hears that the U.S. is going to change to the metric system. This is the awareness stage. A surprising number of persons whose everyday lives will be affected by conversion to the metric system do not realize that the United States has passed legislation and has made a national commitment to convert to the metric system.
An information-gathering stage follows awareness. At this point the person begins to ask questions: What are the metric units of measurement? What do the prefixes mean and how are they used? What in the metric system is different from the present system, and what is similar? Which metric measurements will be useful for the individual in her own particular circumstances? At this stage, too she acquires small, relatively inexpensive tools and measuring devices such as metric tape measure, rulers, metric stick, thermometer, cooking measures, and probably some handy conversion tables.
Now she is ready for the application stage. She begins to apply her knowledge. She notes her height, weight, and measurements in metric units. She consults the thermometer to gauge the weather outside
Cooperative Extension Service • Purdue University • West Lafayette, Indiana
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