Anatomy & Physiology 34A
Metric Measurements Lab
Lab Objectives
1. Measure object lengths and convert measurements to metric units
2. Weigh objects and convert pounds to kilograms
3. Measure fluid volumes
4. Convert temperature from Fahrenheit to Celcius
Work in groups of 4 to do the following activities.
Activity 1 – Length Measurements
Use the rulers provided to measure the length and width of a block of wood.
Length: ________ in.; Width: _________ in.; Depth: ________ in.
Convert those measurements to meters, centimeters, and millimeters.
Length: ______ m, _______ cm, ______ mm; Width: ______ m, _____ cm, ______mm
Depth: _______ m, _______ cm, ______
What is the volume of the wood block (in cm3)?
Activity 2 – Mass (weight) Measurements
Place the wood block on a triple beam balance scale to determine its weight to the nearest 0.1 g.
Mass of wood block: _________ g
Weigh an empty 10 ml graduated cylinder to the nearest 0.1 g
Mass of graduated cylinder: _______ g
Convert your approximate weight in lbs. to kilograms.
Body weight: _______ lbs. ________ kg
Activity 3 – Volume Measurements
Use the graduated cylinder provided to measure out 5.55 ml of water.
Weigh the graduated cylinder and water on the triple beam balance scale, then calculate the
weight of the water alone.
Graduated cylinder + water: _________ g
Graduated cylinder:
_________ g
Water:
_________ g
Calculate the density of water (density = mass/volume) ________ g/ml
Activity 4 – Converting temperature measurements from Fahrenheit to Celcius
Assume a patient has a fever of 104°F. Calculate the temperature in °C, using the formula
°C = 5/9 (°F - 32°F)
Temperature: _______ °C
Physiology 31
Scientific Method Lab
Lab Objectives
1. Describe the steps involved in the scientific method
2. Make observations
3. Formulate hypotheses
4. Design experiments to test hypotheses
5. Obtain experimental results (data)
6. Make conclusions whether results support or contradict hypothesis
Activity 1: We want to know how exercise affects pulse and respiration rates. Form groups of 2
and make some preliminary observations. ____________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Activity 2: Fomulate your Null and Alternative hypotheses about how exercise affects pulse and
respiration rates. Question: How does exercise affect pulse and respiration rates?
Alternative hypothesis: _________________________________________________________
Null hypothesis: _______________________________________________________________
Activity 3: Design experiments to test your hypothesis. These experiments must be able to be
performed with no outside instrumentation. Don’t forget to include a baseline control.
Experiment: ___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Activity 4: Obtain results from your experiments. Use a table to record your experimental data.
Exercise type
Pulse rate (bpm)
Respiration rate (bpm)
Graph your results. What type of graph will you use? (refer to pg. 13 in the textbook)
Activity 5: Make a conclusion about whether your experimental results support or reject your
alternative and null hypotheses.
Alternative hypothesis conclusion: _______________________________________________
Null hypothesis conclusion: ____________________________________________________