Measurement Lab
Chemistry is based upon measuring and working with specific amounts of substances in order to see how they react with each other. Thus, it is imperative that you know how to measure both precisely and accurately. This lab is designed to review your measuring skills and lay a foundation upon converting between different units of measurement.
Directions: Read and follow the directions at each lab station. Record your results in the tables below.
Record your results below:
Volume:
Station #
/Volume in cups
/Volume in ounces
/Volume in mL (beaker)
/Volume in mL (graduated cylinder)
/Volume in mL (burette)
/1 / **
4 / **
Length Measurement:
Station #
/Length in meters (m)
/Length in inches (in.)
/Length in centimeters (cm)
/Length in millimeters (mm)
/2 / **
5 / **
Mass:
Station #
/Mass in ounces (oz.)
/Mass in grams (g) on scale #1
/Mass in grams (g) on scale #2
/Mass in grams (g) on scale #3
/3 / **
6 / **
Data Analysis:
From your data table above, record the numbers that have an asterisk (**) in the class data table below for your group number. Then copy the rest of the class data in the table below and answer the following questions.
Station #
/Group #
/Actual
/1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. Look at the data for station #1, were the groups precise in their measurements? How do you know?
2. Looking at the data for station #2, were the groups precise in their measurements? How do you know?
3. Look at the data for station #3, which group was the most accurate? How do you know?
4. Look at the data for station #4, which group was the most accurate? How do you know?
5. Based on your answers above, what does it mean to be precise?
6. Based on your answers above, what does it mean to be accurate?
7. When measuring the volume of a liquid, which piece of lab equipment gave you the most accurate reading? How do you know?
8. When measuring mass, which scale gave you the most accurate measurement? How do you know?
9. Using your data above, fill in the following conversion ratios:
1 cup = ______mL 2 oz = _____mL 1 in. = _____cm
1/2 cup = _____mL 1 oz = _____mL 1 oz. = _____g
Station #1: Volume
Use the kitchen measuring cup at this station and follow the directions below:
1. Fill the measuring cup to 1 cup. Record your data.
2. Pour 1 cup of water into the beaker. Record.
3. Pour 1 cup of water into the graduated cylinder. Record.
4. Pour 1 cup of water into the burette tube. Record.
5. Empty all containers and wait for the signal to rotate to the next lab station.
Station #4: Volume
Use the kitchen measuring cup at this station and follow the directions below:
1. Fill the measuring cup to 1/4 cup. Record your data.
2. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the beaker. Record.
3. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the graduated cylinder. Record.
4. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the burette tube. Record.
5. Empty all containers and wait for the signal to rotate to the next lab station.
Station #2: Length
Use the shoe lace and follow the directions below:
1. Use the meter stick to measure the length of the shoe lace in meters. Record your data.
2. Use the ruler to measure the shoe lace in inches. Record.
3. Use the meter stick to measure the shoe lace in centimeters. Record.
4. Use the ruler to measure the shoe lace in millimeters. Record.
5. Leave all supplies at the station and wait for the signal to rotate to the next lab station.
Station #5: Length
Use the piece of construction paper and follow the directions below:
1. Use the meter stick to measure the length of the construction paper in meters. Record your data.
2. Use the ruler to measure the construction paper in inches. Record.
3. Use the meter stick to measure the construction paper in centimeters. Record.
4. Use the ruler to measure the construction paper in millimeters. Record.
5. Leave all supplies at the station and wait for the signal to rotate to the next lab station.
Station #3: Mass
Use the calculator and follow the directions below:
1. Use the postal scale to measure the mass of the calculator in ounces. Record your data.
2. Use scale #1 to measure the calculator in grams. Record.
3. Use scale #2 to measure the calculator in grams. Record.
4. Use scale #3 to measure the calculator in grams. Record.
5. Leave all supplies at the station and wait for the signal to rotate to the next lab station.
Station #6: Mass
Use the quarter and follow the directions below:
1. Use scale #3 to measure the mass of the quarter in grams. Record your data.
2. Use scale #2 to measure the calculator in grams. Record.
3. Use scale #1 to measure the calculator in grams. Record.
4. Use the postal scale to measure the calculator in ounces. Record.
5. Leave all supplies at the station and wait for the signal to rotate to the next lab station.