Lab Practices and tools
1. The anatomy of a grasshopper is being studied in a dissection lab. Working in groups of
three, students make observations using a hand lens, forceps, and a scalpel. Two of the
students in the group have finished their observations. These two students may do any of the
following except
a) remove their goggles.
b) review their notes.
c) wash their hands.
d) assist their lab partner.
2. Scientists all over the world use the metric system as the standard system of measurement
(SI). Why is it important for scientists to use a common system of measurement?
a) It allows scientists to repeat experiments, compare data, and communicate results.
b) It helps scientists create data charts and graphs from observations.
c) It encourages scientists to use lab safety while doing scientific investigations.
d) None of the above
3. Which tool would give the most precise measurement of 15 milliliters of water?
a) 50-ml beaker
b) 50-ml graduated cylinder
c) 500-ml beaker
d) 500-ml graduated cylinder
4. When should you wear safety goggles?
a) at all times in the lab
b) when heating items or working with chemicals
c) only when the teacher tells you to
d) only if there has been a chemical spill that might affect your eyes
5. Safety rules in the lab include
a) wearing close-toed shoes.
b) wearing no ties or spray jackets.
c) tying hair back and out of the face.
d) all of the above
6. Ellen is using a microscope to look at a sample of cheek cells. The cells look fuzzy when
she looks through the eyepiece. Which letter on the diagram shown best represents the part
of the microscope Ellen should adjust to better focus the cell sample?
a)
b)
c)
d)
B
D
H
K
7. Which is not a science safety rule?
a) Always read the directions prior to beginning an experiment.
b) Tie back long hair if working over an open flame.
c) You may eat and drink in the lab if you wear gloves.
d) Tell your teacher if you are injured in any way.
8.The proper method for carrying a microscope is to place
a) one hand on the neck and one on the base.
b) both hands on the base.
c) both hands on the arm.
d) only one hand to prevent fingerprints and smudges.
9. The most important thing in a laboratory experiment is
a) getting the lab done.
b) not spilling anything.
c) getting the right answers.
d) following directions.
10. Charlotte is working on a science lab. She is using the piece of equipment shown.
Which safety symbol is most likely to be included in Charlotte's lab instructions?
a)
b)
c)
d)
11. What are the correct units for measuring mass?
a) ounce, pound
b) milliliter, liter, kiloliter
c) milligram, gram, kilogram
d) second, minute, hour
12. When measuring with a graduated cylinder, a reading is taken from the _________ of the
meniscus.
a) top
b) bottom
c) middle
13. _________ is the distance from one point to another.
a) Length
b) Mass
c) Volume
d) Density
14. What is the number-one priority in the science classroom?
a) getting the correct answer
b) having fun
c) safety
d) finishing quickly
15. Select the appropriate tool to measure length.
a) thermometer
b) graduated cylinder
c) triple beam balance
d) ruler
16. Goggles help
a) protect the eyes.
b) scientists see better.
c) scientists look stylish.
d) see underwater.
17. If you do not understand a direction or part of a lab procedure, you should
a) figure it out as you go through the lab.
b) try several methods until something works.
c) ask the teacher before proceeding.
d) skip it and go on to the next part.
18. What are common units for measuring length?
a) milligram, gram, centigram
b) millimeter, centimeter, meter
c) milliliter, liter, kiloliter
d) cubic centimeter, cubic meter
19. _________ is the change in apparent size produced by a microscope.
a) Objective
b) Eyepiece
c) Magnification
d) Membrane
20. If you think there is something wrong with a piece of equipment, stop, turn it off, and
tell your
a) lab partner.
b) class leader.
c) teacher.
d) custodian.
21. Which scientific tool would a scientist use to measure the volume of a liquid?
a) graduated cylinder
b) flask
c) pipette
d) scale
22. What are the correct units for measuring volume?
a) cubic meter, cubic centimeter, liter
b) Celsius, Kelvin, Fahrenheit
c) millimeter, centimeter, meter
d) milligram, gram, kilogram
23. How long should you keep your eye flooded in the eye wash station if you get a harmful
chemical or foreign material in the eye?
a) 5 min
b) 10 min
c) 15 min
d) 30 min
24. Why do scientists use mathematics and statistical methods in science?
a) Scientists usually like math and science equally.
b) They help scientists base conclusions on facts rather than observations.
c) They are useful tools for collecting and analyzing data.
d) None of the above
25. Which scientific tool would a scientist use to find the mass of a small steel rod?
a) balance
b) computer
c) hot plate
d) meter stick
26. All floors and aisles should be kept clear of
a) students.
b) lab equipment.
c) chemicals.
d) all of the above
27. Ellen is using a microscope to look at a sample of cheek cells. The cells look small
when she looks through the eyepiece. Which letter on the diagram shown best represents
the part of the microscope Ellen should adjust to increase the magnification of the cell
sample?
a)
b)
c)
d)
A
B
D
H
28. Which microscope would you use to study the surface of an object?
a) compound
b) light
c) scanning electron
d) transmission electron
29. Which temperature scales do scientists use to measure temperature?
a) Kelvin
b) Celsius
c) Fahrenheit
d) Both a and b
30. What can scientists use to make observations?
a) instruments
b) sight
c) hearing
d) touch
e) all of the above
31. If you are hurt (cut, burned, etc.), tell the
a) school nurse.
b) teacher at once.
c) class at once.
d) lab partner at once.
32. In the science lab, you should never
a) cut away from yourself.
b) enter the closets without permission.
c) stay in your seat.
d) clean up before you leave.
33. What is the most common type of accident that happens in science classes?
a) fire
b) chemical spillage
c) glass breakage
d) slips and falls
34. What is the proper method for heating test tubes?
a) heating only the sides
b) heating only the bottom
c) heating both the sides and the bottom
d) any of the above
35. Mason is working on a science lab. He is using the equipment shown.
Which safety symbol is most likely to be included in Mason's lab instructions?
a)
b)
b)
d)
36. Who was the first scientist to use a microscope to observe and identify cells?
a) Anton van Leeuwenhoek
b) Aristotle
c) Carolus Linnaeus
d) Robert Hooke
37. The compound light microscope has two eyepieces.
a) True
b) False
38. When an accident occurs in the science lab, what is the most important thing to do?
a) Use a fire blanket.
b) Run to the emergency shower.
c) Use a fire extinguisher.
d) Notify your teacher immediately.
39. What is the correct way to move around your lab station?
a) run
b) skip
c) walk
d) hurry
40. What type of shoes should you wear at your lab station?
a) no shoes
b) open-toed shoes
c) closed-toed shoes
d) flip-flops