Scientific Tools and Measurement

Scientific Equipment / What is this equipment used for in scientific experiments? / What SI Units are used with this equipment?
Thermometer / Thermometers are used to measure the amount of heat transferred in a substance. / Celsius (C); Kelvin (K); Fahrenheit (F)
Meter stick / Meter sticks and rulers are used to measure the length of an object / Meters (m)
Triple beam balance / Triple beam balances are used to measure the mass of a substance or object. / Kilograms (kg)
Test tube (in test tube rack) / Test tubes are used to contain and mix substances being used in a chemical experiment. / NA
Litmus paper/pH strips / pH strips are used to measure if a substance is acidic (0 – 7) or basic (7-14). / pH
Stopwatch / Stopwatches are used to measure the time involved in an observation or experiment. / Seconds (sec)
Hot plate / Hot plates are used to heat substances. / NA
Petri dish / Petri dishes are used to contain substances being observed under a microscope. / NA
Digital scale / Digital scales measure the mass of substances / Grams (g)
Graduated cylinder / Graduated cylinders are used to accurately measure liquids or fine-grained solids / Milliliters (mL)
Funnel / Funnels are used to transfer substances from one container to another container. / NA
Spring scale / Spring scales measured the force exerted by an object / Newtons (N); grams (g)
Beaker / Beakers are used for mixing substances together using accurate measurements in mL / Milliliters (mL)
Microscope / Microscopes are used to magnify objects or substances so the observer can see smaller particles. / NA
Scientific Measurement / Which scientific equipment would be used for this measurement? / What SI Units are used with this measurement?
FORCE / Use a spring scale to measure the amount of force exerted on an object. / Newtons (N)
LENGTH / Use a ruler or meter stick to measure how long an object is. / Meters (m)
MASS / Use a triple balance or scale to measure the amount of matter that something contains. / Kilograms (km)
TEMPERATURE / Use a thermometer to measure how hot (or cold) something is / Kelvin (K)
Celsius (C)
TIME / Use a stopwatch to measure variables in minutes, seconds, or hours. / Seconds (sec)
VOLUME / Use a ruler, meter stick, or grad. cylinder to determine the amount of space that something occupies or contains. / Cubic meters (cm)
Milliliters (mL)

Use the table provided below to design an experiment that you could complete using at least 3 pieces of the scientific equipment shown in this activity. Start by writing a question that you want to answer using this equipment. Include the equipment you would need and the measurements you would record. You may also draw your experiment on a separate page to help you visualize your scientific plan.

EXPERIMENTAL QUESTION:
HYPOTHESIS:
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Equipment Needed
Other Materials Needed
Procedures for the Experiment
(Describe the steps you will follow to complete your experiment)

SAFETY RULES FOR SCIENCE

SAFETY RULE / NOTES
Start Out Right / Ask you teacher for permission before starting an experiment and seek his/her advice about unfamiliar symbols or procedures. Remain seated during experiments to avoid spills and equipment damage.
Eye Safety / Wear safety goggles when conducting experiments involving chemicals, loose materials, or sharp-pointed objects.
Safety Equipment / Locate the nearest fire alarms, eyewash and shower stations, and fire extinguishers.
Neatness / Keep your work area neat and be sure your hair, clothing, and jewelry are contained away from your experiment.
Sharp/Pointed Objects / Use knives with extreme care and never use them to cut an object that is in your hand.
Heat / Wear safety goggles and heat resistant gloves while working with a hot plate. Never touch the hot plate surface.
Electricity / Place electrical cords safely to avoid tripping hazards or areas where the cord could become entangled in other equipment. Water and electricity do not mix. Keep your hands dry.
Chemicals / Wear safety goggles and protective clothing when working with chemicals. Do not mix any chemicals together unless instructed to do so by your teacher.
Animal Safety / Do not bring animals to school. Do not handle animals observed in class unless instructed to do so by your teacher. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling animals.
Plant Safety / Do not eat plants observed in the classroom. When in nature, do not touch plants unless instructed to do so by your teacher. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling plants.
Glassware / Examine glassware for cracking and chips before use. Tell your teacher if damaged is observed or damage occurs during class.

Use your book to record the correct label beneath each of the safety symbols illustrated below:

Eye
Protection / Clothing
Protection / Hand
Safety / Heating
Safety / Electric
Safety / Chemical
Safety
Animal
Safety / Sharp
Objects / Plant
Safety

Pre-Assessment

Observe the different pieces of scientific equipment displayed in the classroom and record the correct name to the number listed below.

1. Beaker8. pH Strips

2. Ruler/Meter Stick9. Petri dish

3. Compass10. Stopwatch

4. Funnel11. Syringe

5. Graduated cylinder12. Test tube

6. Hot plate13. Thermometer

7. Microscope14. Triple beam balance

Match the correct equipment you would use to measure each of the following:

15. Force: Spring scale (not in display)

16. Length: Ruler/Meter Stick

17. Mass: Triple beam balance

18. Temperature: Thermometer

19. Time: Stopwatch

20. Volume: Graduated cylinder (ruler)

Design an experiment using 3 of the pieces of equipment displayed in class. Start by developing a scientific question you could answer by using the 3 pieces of equipment chosen and then describe how you would complete your experiment to answer your question.

21. Write your experimental question here:

22. List the equipment you would use:

23. List other materials or supplies you would need:

24. Describe the procedures you would follow to complete your experiment:

Write the correct label beneath each of the safety symbols illustrated below:

Eye protection / Clothing protection / Hand Safety / Heating Safety / Electric Safety / Chemical Safety
Animal Safety / Sharp Objects / Plant Safety