Name Period Lab# Measurement Lab Observation is a very important process in science, but observation is limited to the 5 human senses. Therefore instruments have been invented and developed to extend our powers of observation. Instruments improve our ability to observe and to make measurements that would otherwise be very inaccurate or even impossible to make. In this lab investigation, you will use instruments to measure the following properties: Length Mass Volume Area PART 1: Linear Measurement Procedure: 1. Select two straw lengths and test your powers of observation by estimating the length of each to the nearest tenth of a centimeter. Record your estimates in Data Table 1. 2. Using a metric ruler, measure the length of the same two straws to the nearest tenth of a centimeter. Record your measurements in Data Table 1. 3. Measure 6 other straws to the nearest tenth of a centimeter and record your measurements in Data Table 1. 4. Complete the data table by converting you measurements from centimeters to millimeters. (Hint: 10 millimeters= 1 centimeter). E:\Documents\Earth Science\Prologue Review Observation & Measure\Measurment Lab.doc 1
Data Table 1- Linear Measurement Name of Object Estimation (cm) Shortest Actual Measurement (cm) Conversion to millimeters Longest Part 2: Measuring Mass Triple Beam Balance Procedure: 1. Select two rocks and test your powers of observation by estimating the mass of each in grams. Record your estimates in Data Table 2. 2. Using a triple beam balance, measure the mass of the same two rocks to the nearest tenth of a gram. Record your measurements in Data Table 2. 3. Measure the mass of the other 8 rocks to the nearest tenth of a gram and record your measurements in Data Table 2. E:\Documents\Earth Science\Prologue Review Observation & Measure\Measurment Lab.doc 2
Data Table 2- Measuring Mass Rocks Estimation (g) Actual Measurement (g) A B C D E F G H I Part 3: Measuring Volume V = L x W x H E:\Documents\Earth Science\Prologue Review Observation & Measure\Measurment Lab.doc 3
Procedure: 1. Select two blocks and test your powers of observation by estimating the volume of each in cubic centimeters. Record your estimates in Data Table 3. 2. Using a ruler to measure, and the volume formula listed above determine the volume of the same two blocks in cubic centimeters. Record your calculated volumes in Data Table 3. Round answers to the nearest tenth (0.1 cm 3 ) 3. Determine the volume of 4 other wooden blocks in cubic centimeters and record your calculation in Data Table 3. Data Table 3- Measuring Volume Name of Object Estimation (cm 3 ) Calculated Volume (cm 3 ) A B C D E F G H I Part 4: Measuring Volume by Displacement E:\Documents\Earth Science\Prologue Review Observation & Measure\Measurment Lab.doc 4
Procedure: 1. Selected two objects and test your powers of observation by estimating the volume of each in milliliters or cubic centimeters. Record your estimates in Data Table 4. 2. Using a graduated cylinder, determine the volume of the same two objects to the nearest milliliter/cubic centimeter. Record your measurements in Data Table 4. 3. Determine the volume of 2 other objects to the nearest milliliter/cubic centimeter and record your measurements in Data Table 4. Data Table 4- Measuring volume by displacement Name of Object Estimation (ml or cm 3 ) Actual Volume (ml or cm 3 ) Part 5: Measuring Area Think 3 cm 1 cm 2 4 cm E:\Documents\Earth Science\Prologue Review Observation & Measure\Measurment Lab.doc 5
Procedure: 1. Test your powers of observation by estimating the area to the nearest square centimeter of Figure 1 on the next page. Record your estimate in Data Table 5. 2. Using a ruler to measure, and the area formula listed above determine the area of all three Figures on the next page in square centimeters. Record your calculated areas in Data Table 5. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Data Table 5- Measuring Area Figure 1 2 3 Estimation (cm 2 ) Actual Measurement (cm 2 ) E:\Documents\Earth Science\Prologue Review Observation & Measure\Measurment Lab.doc 6
Conclusion Questions: 1. Write the correct word for each definition below. a. A measure of the amount of space a substance occupies is known as. b. A measure of the amount of matter a substance contains is known as. c. A measure of the amount of square units the interior closed region of an object contains is known as. 2. Why do scientists use instruments? 3. What are the two parts required of all measurements? 4. Accurately measure the line segments below to the nearest tenth of a centimeter. a. = b. = 5. Determine the area of the figures below: A B E:\Documents\Earth Science\Prologue Review Observation & Measure\Measurment Lab.doc 7
6. Determine the volume of the figure below: Show ALL work! 2 cm 8 cm 1 cm 7. What is the dimension of one side of a cube if its volume is equal to 27 cubic centimeters? Hint: How would you calculate the volume of a cube? Show all work! 8. Calculate the average of your rock masses and round your answer to the nearest tenth (0.1) gram! Include units and show your work! E:\Documents\Earth Science\Prologue Review Observation & Measure\Measurment Lab.doc 8