Science Lab Report On Foot To Fathoms

Foot to Fathoms Report

BY ALEX THOMAS WATTS

Guiding Question: What are some advantages of using the Metric measurement system over the old English system?

Hypothesis: It uses a specific length rather than an “unstable” one.

Steps:

1. Write down all the separate old English measurements (and the way you measure with it) in your notebook. These include fathoms (longest finger to longest finger with outstretched arms), Egyptian cubit (elbow to forefinger), “feet” (one foot), pace (walk with stretched legs), palm (horizontal palm) and span (thumb to pinkie)

2. Create a small chart with “Measuring Type”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “Average” and “Actual” in order and on the northern side with what you’re measuring on the western side. I measured a crayon box, a whiteboard, a hallway, a table and a Stonehenge book

3. Use the Old English system to measure the objects and then measure with a tape measure. Write your findings in your notebook. Also write down how long your Old English measurements were.

4. Write down your conclusion in your notebook, or in a book report.

Conclusion:

My hypothesis was correct. My O.E measurements were smaller than those of my group; therefore the measurements may vary in the world, so this method is “unstable”. The reason why we use the metric system today is because it’s the same no matter which ruler you take. If we still used fathoms today, we would certainly have a lot of problems. Our buildings would be wonky, the leaning tower of Pisa would be the fallen tower of rubble and some things would look a bit like the pictures in Dr Seuss.

My Table:

	Measuring Type	1	2	3	Average	Actual
Crayon Box	Fingertip 1cm	6	5	6	5.66	7cm
Whiteboard	Fathom 160cm	1.5	2	2	1.83	25cm
PEEP	Palm 8cm	2	2	2	2	13cm
Hallway	Pace 146cm	8	8	10	9	1010cm
Table	Foot 22cm	5	5	6.3	5.444333	137cm
Stonehenge Book	Span 19cm	2	2.5	2		32cm