LAB: Using Tools for Measurement

Part A: Measuring Without Tools: Using the bag of supplies given to you, take the following measurements and record them under your group’s number on the chart. We will fill in the other groups’ data together as a class.

Group
1 / Group
2 / Group
3 / Group
4 / Group
5 / Group
6 / Group
7 / Group
8 / Group
9 / Group
10 / Average
Length of Lab Table
(from wall to end)
Volume of a
Test Tube
Mass of 3 pennies

Questions:

1.  What difficulties did you have when you were measuring without using standard tools?

2.  How did your values compare to others in the classroom? Were your measurements precise?

3.  What could you do to make your measurements more accurate using only the tools you were given?

Part B: How Do You Use Tools to Measure in Science?

Mass / Volume / Length
Definition
Metric Units
Equipment Used

Part C: Measuring With Tools: Now, using the precise measuring tools, take the following measurements and record them under your group’s number on the chart. We will fill in the other groups’ data together as a class.

Group
1 / Group
2 / Group
3 / Group
4 / Group
5 / Group
6 / Group
7 / Group
8 / Group
9 / Group
10 / Average
Length of Lab Table
(from wall to end)
Volume of a
Test Tube
Mass of 3 pennies

Questions:

4.  Were your measurements using standard tools closer to your classmates’ answers? Explain.

5.  Why do you think scientists use standard tools for measurement?