This is a very simple lab activity for students who are just beginning to study the metric system and are learning to use lab equipment. This activity involves only the metric units of volume and temperature. Students will answer questions about a graduated cylinder and a thermometer. Students will measure the volume of several items. Follow up questions involve metric to metric conversions and metric to English conversions. Students will use dimensional analysis to make conversions between units.
This would be appropriate for middle school students and physical science students. I have also used this in my high school chemistry classes as each year I have many students who have never developed these skills in their previous science courses.
This lab is also available in a bundled set of labs called Metric Measurements: Set of 3 Labs onLength, Mass, Volume and Temperature
This product, along with 11 other related products can also be purchased in a bundled unit called Metric System and Scientific Measurement Unit Plan of 12 products
This activity is very basic. My purpose is reinforcement of basic lab skills, use of metric measurements, and conversion between units using dimensional analysis. This activity provides drill and practice.
Materials needed: Graduated cylinder, 50 mL beaker, lead weight, wood block, ruler, celsius thermometer, glass square.
Your download will include pages that are ready to be printed and passed out to your students. Each contains Title, Purpose, Materials, Procedure, Final Observations, Student Data Pages, and Answers to all questions and problems.
I have included several forms of this lab. Use one version if you prefer to have your students write their own lab report on their own notebook paper. Use the second form if you would like to have the students record their answers directly on the lab handouts. You will receive both an editable Word document as well as a pdf form of the lab.
This product is included on my Science Skills CD, a shipped item. The CD contains 51 different products on science skills, including metric system, scientific method, scientific notation, graphing, significant digits and more.
My other products related to this topic:
Metric System / Scientific Measurement Complete Unit Plan containing 12 separate products
Powerpoint: Metric System and Dimensional Analysis
Notes to accompany powerpoint on Metric System and Dimensional Analysis
Quiz: Metric System and Dimensional Analysis
Quiz: Metric System
Homework: Dimensional Analysis
Chapter Test: Scientific Measurement, Metric system, Significant Digits, Dimensional Analysis
Worksheet: Dimensional Analysis
Metric system Jeopardy Game
Lab: Metric Measurements: Mass
Lab: Metric Measurements: Length
Metric System Crossword Puzzle
Lab: The Use of Significant Digits in Making Metric Measurements
Measurement Madness Reinforcement Worksheet
© Amy Brown (Science Stuff)

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I have been teaching for 27 years. I have taught Biology I, Honors Biology I, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Biology II, and AP Biology.
