Lesson 1.3 - Tools & Measurement

Welcome back!

There are tools for just about every job. A hammer, a pair of pliers, and a wrench can help construction workers build houses. Similarly, a microscope, a beaker, and a triple-beam balance help scientists conduct experiments in the laboratory. A variety of scientific equipment and technology are used every day by scientists to make observations and to collect, store, and analyze information. Each tool has a specific function, and carefully selecting the appropriate tool for the task is an important part of successfully completing scientific work.

In this lesson you will learn about some of the tools used by scientists, compare two systems of measurement, and distinguish between four types of measurements in science.

Consider the following questions while you are working through the lesson:

What are some advantages of the metric system over the imperial system? Why do all scientists use the metric system? Why is it considered easy to convert measurements in the metric system? Explain how the “ladder method” is used when converting between metric units? When do we use the metric unit of liter, meter, and gram? Why is it important to label the units when taking measurements? What’s the relationship between area and volume? Compare and contrast mass and weight.

Summary Instructions for Lesson 1.3

Now that you've completed your notes for this lesson, it's time to carefully review them. To receive credit, your summary must reach a minimum word count, and must include all of the required vocabulary terms listed below.

Use your notes and the Guiding Questions in the lesson Introduction to help you.

Required Vocabulary Terms:

metric system, units, liter, length, meter, gram, area, volume, mass, weight, gravity

Minimum Length: 50