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Why the metric system matters - Matt Anticole

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TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

For the majority of recorded human history, units like the weight of a grain or the length of a hand weren’t exact and varied from place to place. Now, consistent measurements are such an integral part of our daily lives that it’s hard to appreciate what a major accomplishment for humanity they’ve been. Matt Anticole traces the wild history of the metric system.

What defines our current ‘standard’ for one meter?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Matt Anticole
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Director Hernando Bahamon
  • Art Director Andrés Landazábal
  • Compositor Ricardo Avila
  • Animator Miguel Otálora, José Arce
  • Composer Manuel Borda
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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