1. Making Measurements in Science
The standard system of measurement all scientists use is the
METRIC SYSTEM

2. Measuring Mass
Mass is a measurement of the amount of matter in an object
Instrument: Balance (triple beam, double pan or electronic)
Base unit: gram (g)
Other common units:
milligram (mg)
kilogram (kg)
Which is larger than a gram? Which is smaller?

3. Measuring Distance
Distance is a measurement of how far apart objects are from each other.
Instrument: Meter stick
Base unit: meter (m)
Other common units:
millimeter (mm)
centimeter (cm)
kilometer (km)
Which of the units are larger than a meter? Which are smaller?

4. Measuring Liquid Volume
Volume is a measurement of the amount of space an object or matter occupies
Instrument: graduated cylinder or beaker
Which instrument will give you a more accurate measurement?
Base unit: liter (L)
Other common unit:
milliliter (mL)
Is this smaller or larger than a liter?

5. Reading the Meniscus
When measuring liquid volume, you must remember to read the meniscus properly
The meniscus is curve of a liquid when placed in a cylinder
Always make your measurement at the middle of the meniscus
What is the measurement in the graduated cylinder?

6. Measuring Solid Volume
How do you measure the volume of an object that has a regular shape, such as a block of wood?
Instrument: meter stick
Formula: Volume = l x w x h
Base unit: cubic meter (m3)
Other common unit:
cubic cm (cm3)
Why is the unit cubed?

7. Measuring Solid Volume Water Displacement Method
How do you measure the volume of an object that has a irregular shape, such as a rock?
There are actually 2 methods, both involving water.
Instrument: graduated cylinder or overflow can
Base unit: cubic meter (m3)
Other common unit:
cubic cm (cm3)
Which do you think is more accurate?

8. Measuring Weight
Weight is a measurement of the force of gravity acting upon an object
Instrument: Spring scale
Base unit: Newton (N)

9. Measuring Temperature
Temperature is the measurement of the energy of the molecules in an object
The higher the temperature, the faster the molecules are moving
Instrument: thermometer
Base unit: degrees Celsius (oC)
Other unit: Kelvin (K)

10. Any Questions?