Re: Hogwarts Cirriculum?

In article <JnUNi.151$3v7.5@xxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Thom Madura <Tommadura@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Tim Bruening wrote:

Bill Blakely wrote:

On Sun, 13 May 2007 03:47:31 -0500, Ron Hunter <rphunter@xxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

Green-Eyed Chris wrote:
In article <1POdnTs-2a19ltvbnZ2dnUVZ_rfinZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxx>, Ron Hunter
<rphunter@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Green-Eyed Chris wrote:
In article <134aic73ehd3h06@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, dicconf@xxxxxxxxx
(Richard Eney) wrote:

In article <sYmdnUVZ5pE7udnbnZ2dnUVZ_tzinZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Ron Hunter <rphunter@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Mike Allegretto wrote:
<snip>
Mike Allegretto <rallegre@xxxxxxxxxxx> strode forth and
proclaimed:

Does the school teach the basics like Math, English, Phys
Ed...etc?
Supposedly wizarding kids learn basic math and writing skills at
home.
(Presumably kids like Draco had tutors.)
How high up does basic tutoring go? can kids that young really
comprehend trigonometry? If they stop learning advanced math when
they
go to Hogwarts how long do they retain it? Really, does anyone here
in
their adulthood really remember how to divide even simple fractions?
Certainly. But then I use them daily. As for trigonometry, it is
one
of the few math oriented (beyond basic four functions), which I have
found useful since school. Even algebra comes in handy now and then.
It's opposite with me: I use algebra a lot, but I haven't used
trigonometry as it was taught to me since high school. On the other
hand, I use geometry fairly often.

BTW, I am hardly young (64), so some effort has been required to keep
this ability. Aside from carpentry, and cooking, most people have
little need to work with fractions.
I use them when measuring, and to some extent when calculating prices
in the grocery store to see which of two products is cheaper per unit
of volume.
I¹m not sure whether it¹s German or Euroland law, but per unit pricing
is
mandatory here. No more pocket calculators needed for grocery shopping
and
the price spans can be amazing.

As long as we¹re reminiscing about math(s), there¹s one thing that got
me
through a hell of a lot of calculations in the sciences. If you¹re not
sure of what you're doing, always write out the units you¹re working
with.
If they cross out properly and are the same in front of and behind the
equal sign, then you¹re right, even if you have forgotten the formula.
(I
hope you¹re taking notes here, Dru! Even women can beat physics!)

Occasionally I use them when working out a new sewing
pattern.
Yep. The same applies to skin.
--
Chris
The trouble with 'unit pricing' is that often similar products have
different units. Most people can't convert ounces to liters, or pounds,
for that matter.
Not to be a smart ass, but most people in the world don¹t have to. They
use the metric system.
--
Chris
True, but in countries where both metric and other systems are in use,
this can be a nasty problem. I am quite comfortable with both the
metric and English measuring systems, and either is ok by me, but
converting between them is a real pain.
As NASA found out a few years back when it cost us a Mars mission!! It
was astonishing to find they were using English units for anything.

That's because NASA is a U.S. government agency, and the U.S. hasn't yet
converted to metric.
Naturally, NASA employees would think in the English measuring system like
they think in the English
language, and the French think in French, Germans in German, and so on.


Public Law 94-168, §2 requires use of the International System of Units
for measurement in US Government programs, "except where impractical".

THe total conversion of Europe to the Metric System to take place in
2010 will likely require most American Companies who export to use the
metric system. While current Fair Practice law is to use Both Systems,
currently there are only two states that do not allow metric only
labelling. There is a Federal law being considered that would allow
Metric only labeling being considered.

Still - I question the logic of using a FRENCH controlled system of
measurement anywhere.

As with so many things, the French may _believe_ that they control the
SI (Système International d'Unités/International System of Units), but
the units and definitions are created and modified through international
agreement. The only three nations not to have officially adopted the SI
are Liberia, Myanmar and the US. The UK, of course, has had itself
exempted in the EU from the 2010 total conversion.
--
Chris
.

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