Learning Latin AND Mathematics

Weights & Measures (Hyland album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In studying how to convert units of measurement during his math lesson, my son gained more than math knowledge. While he much prefers the simplicity of the metric system, it turns out that the non-metric units of measurement are surprisingly providing additional learning opportunities in... language.

As we were going over the process of converting pounds to ounces and vice versa, he asked what should have been an obvious question, "Why do we use the abbreviation lb to represent pounds?" I had to confess that I did not know. So I did what any 21st century mom does, I looked it up on the internet.

It turns our that we get the abbreviation lb as well as the English word "pound" from the Latin phrase libra pondo which translates to pound weight. Once again, I find myself learning something new as a result of my child's curiosity and learning process.