Name ______Date ______
Scientific Tools Vocabulary – Ch. 1 -lessons 1 and 2
Use the ppt Ch. 1/Lessons 1 & 2 to fill in the boxes. Be sure to list what it is, and how it is used!
Vocabulary Word Definition/How is it used? Picture
Qualitative Observation / any tool used by scientists to make observations that do not involve measurements or numbers.Quantitative Observation / any useful tool that allows scientists to measure or make observations that DO use numbers.
Microscope / a tool that makes small objects appear larger. Don’t touch the lens! Carry it by the base.
Balance Scale / a tool that measures an object’s mass. It is measured in grams. Make sure the pointer
on the base is at the middle
mark of the scale.
Spring Scale / measures an objects weight or force. Hook the object to the scale, then lift the object and scale smoothly. Wait for the spring to stop moving and then read the force on the scale.
Forceps / used to pick up hold onto small objects (like insects)
Dropper / used to move tiny amounts of liquid. Squeeze the bulb then open it to allow liquid to move into the bulb. Then squeeze again to drop liquid out.
Hand Lens / Used to magnify an object. You can observe more detail with a hand lens.
Graduated Cylinder / – a tool used to measure the volume of liquids. (volume is how much space something takes up). When reading it, be sure your eyes are even with the surface of the liquid.
Investigation / a procedure that is carried out to gather data about an object or event.
Inquiry / an organized way to gather info so you can answer questions.
Dependent Variable / the one factor that you measure and may change because of what you are testing.
Controlled Variable / the factors in an experiment that remain the same so the dependent variable can be measured.