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.
Meter sticks and rulers are used to measure the length of an object
Celsius (C); Kelvin (K);
Fahrenheit (F)
Meters (m)
Triple beam balances are used to measure the mass of a substance or
object.
Test tubes are used to contain and mix substances being used in a
chemical experiment.
pH strips are used to measure if a substance is acidic (0 – 7) or basic
(7-14).
Stopwatches are used to measure the time involved in an observation
or experiment.
Hot plates are used to heat substances.
Kilograms (kg)
Meter stick
Triple beam balance
Test tube (in test tube rack)
Litmus paper/pH strips
Stopwatch
Hot plate
Petri dish
Digital scale
Graduated cylinder
Funnel
Spring scale
Beaker
Microscope
Petri dishes are used to contain substances being observed under a
microscope.
Digital scales measure the mass of substances
Graduated cylinders are used to accurately measure liquids or finegrained solids
Funnels are used to transfer substances from one container to another
container.
Spring scales measured the force exerted by an object
Beakers are used for mixing substances together using accurate
measurements in mL
Microscopes are used to magnify objects or substances so the
observer can see smaller particles.
NA
pH
Seconds (sec)
NA
NA
Grams (g)
Milliliters (mL)
NA
Newtons (N); grams (g)
Milliliters (mL)
NA
Scientific Tools and Measurement
Scientific Measurement
FORCE
LENGTH
MASS
TEMPERATURE
TIME
VOLUME
Which scientific equipment would be used for this measurement?
Use a spring scale to measure the amount of force exerted on an object.
Use a ruler or meter stick to measure how long an object is.
Use a triple balance or scale to measure the amount of matter that
something contains.
Use a thermometer to measure how hot (or cold) something is
Use a stopwatch to measure variables in minutes, seconds, or hours.
Use a ruler, meter stick, or grad. cylinder to determine the amount of
space that something occupies or contains.
What SI Units are used
with this measurement?
Newtons (N)
Meters (m)
Kilograms (km)
Kelvin (K)
Celsius (C)
Seconds (sec)
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)
Scientific Tools and Measurement
SAFETY RULES FOR SCIENCE
SAFETY RULE
NOTES
Eye Safety
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.
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.
Start Out Right
Electricity
Chemicals
Animal Safety
Plant Safety
Glassware
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.
Wear safety goggles and protective clothing when working with chemicals.
Do not mix any chemicals together unless instructed to do so by your
teacher.
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.
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.
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
Animal
Safety
Heating
Safety
Sharp
Objects
Plant
Safety
Electric
Safety
Chemical
Safety
Scientific Tools and Measurement
Pre-Assessment
Observe the different pieces of scientific equipment displayed in the classroom and record the
correct name to the number listed below.
1.
Beaker
8.
pH Strips
2.
Ruler/Meter Stick
9.
Petri dish
3.
Compass
10.
Stopwatch
4.
Funnel
11.
Syringe
5.
Graduated cylinder
12.
Test tube
6.
Hot plate
13.
Thermometer
7.
Microscope
14.
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:
Scientific Tools and Measurement
Write the correct label beneath each of the safety symbols illustrated below:
Eye
protection
Clothing
protection
Hand
Safety
Animal
Safety
Heating
Safety
Sharp
Objects
Plant
Safety
Electric
Safety
Chemical
Safety