Metrics: Making Measurement Notes

Introduction When scientist make observation, its not enough to say something is “big” or ”heavy.” Instead, scientists use instruments to measure just how big or how heavy an object is. By measuring, scientists express their observations more precisely and communicate more information about what they observe

The standard system of measurement used by scientist around the world is known as: SI- International System of Units

This system is abbreviated as SI This system is easy to use because the units are based on multiples of 10

Common SI Prefixes HintPrefixSymbolMeaning “ King ”Kilo- K1,000 “ Henry ” Hecto- h 100 “ Does ” Deka-da 10 “ Drink ”Deci d0.1 “ Chocolate ” Centi- cm 0.01 “ Milk ” Milli-mm 0.001

Length The unit of measure is the: Meter Tool: Metric Ruler or Meter Stick Which units would you use to measure the –Distance between TMS and the beach? km –Length of your eyelash? mm –Height of your textbook? cm

Sample Problem A What is the length of the line in centimeters? _________________

Sample Problem B What is the length of the line in centimeters? __________________________ What is the length of the line in mm?

Sample Problem C What is the length of the line in centimeters? ____________

Liquid Volume The unit of measure is the: Liter Tool: Graduated Cylinder A graduated cylinder is marked in graduated divisions - The water level has a curved surface known as the meniscus -To measure volume, you must read at the eye level at the Lowest point of the meniscus

How to read a graduated cylinder The graduated cylinder is read by looking at the meniscus. The meniscus is the lowest point in the curve. At eye level, examine the height of the liquid. A sheet of paper maybe placed behind the graduated cylinder in order to identify the lowest point with greater ease.

Mass The amount of matter in an object: Mass The unit of measure is the: gram Tool: Triple Beam Balance which has three weights that measure in division of 100’s, 10’s, and ones.

Triple Beam Balance

How to use the Triple Beam Balance 1.Carry the balance with one hand under the base (the heaviest part, under the pan) and the other hand wrapped around the arm (holding the pointer hand from moving up and down) 2. Start by finding the zero. Make sure all the rungs are at zero. Turn the adjustment knob till the pointer and the line “match”.

3. Find the mass of the object by moving the riders in the order of hundreds to tens and to ones. 4. When you are finish return all riders to the zero position. 5. The balance can only hold up to 600 grams. Be careful not to exceed that mass or you can damage the balance.

Temperature The unit of measure is the: Celsius Tool: Thermometer Water freezes at 0 o C and boils at 100 o C. Human body temperature is around 37 o C and room temperature is about 20 to 25 o C