The ancient Roman culture used their bodies to help measure things. For example, a “foot” was actually how long their foot was, and it was used to measure length. We still use the word today when we are measuring. This shows a way that the Romans contributed to our culture today.

 

One learning target for a lesson about this could be: Students can describe the non-standards units of measure used by ancient Romans and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using such a system of measure.

 

Students work with partners to understand ancient Roman system of measures. They help their partner measure their foot, digit, yard, and fathom. Students consider the advantages and disadvantages of a system such as this one.

 

 

 

Ancient Cultures Affect U.S. Culture                                 Name _______________________

 

How do you measure up?

 

Romans and many other ancient peoples used parts of the human body to measure distances.

 

A foot is the length of your foot.

A digit is the width of the index finger.

A yard is the arm’s length from the shoulder.

A fathom is the distance between a person’s two hands with the arm’s spread out.

 

Use a measuring tape and work with another person to measure these distances.

 

 

How long is your foot? (Not your shoe)

 

 

How long is your digit?

 

 

 

How long is your yard?

 

 

 

How long is your fathom?

 

 

 

 

Why do you think this system worked well?

 

 

 

 

What do you think made this system difficult for people?