Science Measurement and Tools Lab
Overview:
The purpose of this lab is for you to become familiar with the names and uses of the laboratory
equipment. Two days are required to complete this experiment. All measurements and data
should be placed on the attached data table.
Materials:
1) Triple Beam Balance
2) Graduated Cylinder
3) Beaker
4) Ruler
5) 5 beans
6) 5 pennies
7) 5 paper clips
Procedures:
1. Copy down the data table into your notebook
2. Collect all materials
3. Measure the length and width of each bean, penny, and paper clip with a ruler (use
millimeters)
4. Use a beaker to fill a graduated cylinder to the 10 ml mark.
5. Add all five beans to the graduated cylinder. To determine the volume of the beans, see
how many ml the water raised. (make sure to subtract the 10 ml you started with
6. Dry your beans with a paper towel. And record the weight of each bean using the triple
beam balance
7. Repeat steps 4-5 with the 5 pennies and 5 paper clips.
8. Once you are done collecting all your data return the supplies to the cart.
9. Answer the analysis questions on your science notebook.
Data Table: (copy down and fill in as your collect your data)
Object
Bean 1
Bean 2
Bean 3
Bean 4
Bean 5
Penny 1
Penny 2
Penny 3
Penny 4
Penny 5
Paperclip 1
Width
Length
Paperclip 2
Paperclip 3
Paperclip 4
Paperclip 5
Volume of all 5 beans
Weight of all 5 beans
Volume of all 5 pennies
Weight of all 5 pennies
Volume of all 5 paperclips
Weight of all 5 paperclips
Analysis Questions (you do not have to write down the questions, answer in
complete sentences):
1. Describe the difference between a beaker and a graduated cylinder.
2. A "unit" is a term that describes quantity. The unit of length measurements,
for instance, is millimeters and centimeters. What are the units for mass
(weight) and for volume? (If you didn't include these units on your table, add
them in!) (pg. 24)
3. Examine your ruler. How many millimeters are in a centimeter? _________
4. If a bean measured 2 cm, how many millimeters is it ? __________
5. What tool(s) is used to measure volume? _________
6. If a beaker is filled with 200 ml of water and a goldfish is added, the water level rises to
240 ml.
What is the goldfish's volume? ___________
7. If a beaker is filled with 400 ml of water and a tennis ball is added, the water level rises
to 620 ml.
What is the volume of the tennis ball? _____________
8. Sketch all the tools used in today’s lab into your notebook and list what each one is used
to measure.