Tools in Science : Tools in Science Lesson 6
Objectives : Objectives Describe the appropriate use of instruments and scales to accurately and safely measure time, mass, distance, volume or temperature under a variety of conditions.
Apply appropriate measurement systems to record and interpret observations under varying conditions.
Describe ways technology extends and enhances human abilities for specific purposes.
State Standards : State Standards Pennsylvania State Science Standard
3.7 – Technological Devices
7.A – Describe the safe and appropriate use of tools, materials, and techniques to answer questions and solve problems.
7.B – Use appropriate instruments and apparatus to study materials.
Why Scientists Use Tools : Why Scientists Use Tools To study things that are beyond their natural ability.
Extend the power of the human eye.
example: microscope, telescope
Allow them to take measurements.
Measurements in science need to be very precise!!!
Help to clearly describe and communicate data.
Scientific Tools : Scientific Tools Scientists need to use appropriate tools for their studies
objects far away – binoculars, telescope
objects close – microscopes, hand lenses
A measurement is only precise as the tool you use.
Calibrations are the marks on a tool showing the scale units.
This helps scientists select the correct tool for the job.
Scientific Tools : Scientific Tools Hydraulic lift is a tool that transfers force through dense fluids under pressure.
2. Balance is used to measure mass
mass is the amount of matter in an object.
3. Microscope makes objects appear larger than they actually are.
Types of Microscopes (pg. 38) : Types of Microscopes (pg. 38)
Slide 8 : 4. Pipette is used to measure small volumes of liquid.
volume is the amount of space something occupies
5. Graduated Cylinder is used to measure volume
forms a meniscus… read at the bottom
6. Tape measure, rulers, meter sticks are used to measure length
Length is the distance between two points
Micrometer is a specialized tool to measure width.
Slide 9 : 7. Thermometers measure temperature
temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object
8. Anemometers measure wind speed
9. Barometers measure air pressure
Slide 10 : Other Common Science Tools
test tube
ring stand (o-ring, wire mesh, test-tube clamp)
test tube holder
beakers
Erlenmeyer flask
Bunsen burner
tongs
slides & cover slips
Practice Question #1 : Practice Question #1 Micrometers and rulers are both tools for measuring an objects size.
A. Describe when a scientist would choose to use a micrometer instead of a ruler.
B. Explain why rulers are not always the most appropriate tool for measuring an object’s size.
Measurement:The International System of Units : Measurement:The International System of Units abbreviated SI
is the official name of the metric system
each measurement has a base unit (pg 40)
Slide 13 : is very easy to use because every unit is expressed as a multiple of 10
scientists use prefixes to show relationships to the base unit.
Kilo = 1000 deci = 0.1
Hecto = 100 centi = 0.01
Deka = 10 milli = 0.001
Slide 14 :
Slide 15 : Metric Converter
Kilo Hecto Deka __ deci centi milli
g
L m
How to use:
Place a decimal point at the end of the number if one is not already there.
Find your starting prefix.
Find your ending prefix.
Count the number of spaces from your starting prefix to your ending prefix. Move the decimal point in the same direction and the same number of spots you counted. Erase the old decimal point. Fill in any empty spots with zero’s.
Slide 16 : Examples: 100 g = ________ cg
206.4 mm = ________ Dm
2420 KL = ________ dL
79.2 g = ________ mg
3543 dL = ________ KL
246800 Dm = ______ m
Slide 17 : Comparisons: (use >, <, or =)
K H D _____ d c m
65 cg ( ) 6 g
8 L ( ) 701 mL
4.7 m ( ) 47 cg
587.9 dg ( ) .05879 Kg
35.43 dL ( ) 38 mL
246800 Dm ( ) 300000 Hm
Practice Question #2 : Practice Question #2 Which of these units would a scientist most likely use to record the volume of water in an aquarium?
A. liters
B. gallons
C. milliliters
D. microliters