A Metric Scavenger Hunt



A Metric Scavenger Hunt

Pre-Lab Discussion

In many science investigations, precise measurements must be made before conclusions can be formed. For everyday measuring we still use English units such as the inch, quart, and pound. But for scientific work, the metric system, or International System of Units (SI), is used. The universal language of science, the metric system allows scientists everywhere to share information.

In this investigation, you will have to "think metric" as you select objects that will correctly match the descriptions on your "metric scavenger hunt."

Problem

How closely can you estimate the metric measurements of everyday items?

Materials (per group)

Metric ruler

10-mL graduated cylinder 100-mL graduated cylinder Triple-beam balance Celsius thermometer

Safety

Handle all glassware carefully. Note all safety alert symbols next to the steps in the Procedure and review the meanings of each symbol by referring to the symbol guide on page 10.

Procedure

1. Carefully read the description of each object you are to find in the "metric scavenger hunt."

METRIC SCAVENGER HUNT

a. An object that when filled to the top with water has a volume between _____ and_____ milliliters.

b. A metallic object that has a mass less than _____ grams.

c. A coin that has a diameter (the distance from one side of a circle through the center to the other side) between _____ and _____ millimeters.

d. An object with a length between _____ and _____ centimeters.

e. An item that when half filled with water has a volume between _____ and_____ liters.

f. An object with a normal temperature of 37°C. (Hint: You brought this object to class!)

g. An object that has a mass between _____ and _____ centigrams.

h. An object that has a volume between _____ and _____ cubic centimeters.

i. An object with a length between _____ and _____ decimeters. (You may not be able to take this object to your lab station.)

j. A substance with a temperature between _____ °C and _____ °C.

k. A person with a mass between _____ and _____ kilograms.

Data Table 1

|Description |Possible Objects |

|a | |

| | |

|b | |

| | |

|c | |

| | |

|d | |

| | |

|e | |

| | |

|f | |

| | |

|g | |

| | |

|h | |

| | |

|i | |

| | |

|j | |

| | |

|k | |

| | |

Data Table 2

| |Object |Measurement |Was Object Within |

| | | |Given Range? |

|a | | | |

| | | | |

|b | | | |

| | | | |

|c | | | |

| | | | |

|d | | | |

| | | | |

|e | | | |

| | | | |

|f | | | |

| | | | |

|g | | | |

| | | | |

|h | | | |

| | | | |

|i | | | |

| | | | |

|i | | | |

| | | | |

|k | | | |

| | | | |

Analysis and Conclusions

1. Which objects were easiest to find? Hardest? Why?

2. Was it easy to "think metric"? Why?

3. Would students in other parts of the world have difficulty "thinking metric"? Why?

4. Why is it important that all scientific measurements be made using metric units

Critical Thinking and Application

1. The metric system is based on the number 10 and is a decimal system of measurement. What United States system is based on the number 10?

2. The United States is one of the few countries in the world that does not use the metric system for everyday measuring. Do you think Congress should pass a law requiring the use of the

metric system throughout the country? Explain your answer.

3. If the United States did convert to the metric system, how would you implement this change?

Going Further

1. In the laboratory investigation, you have worked with SI units for measuring length, mass, temperature, and volume. Other SI base units include the second, ampere, Kelvin, mole, and candela. Find out what these SI base units are used to measure and report your findings to your classmates.

2. Conduct a survey to determine the familiarity of different age groups with the metric system. Questions might include the base units for different types of measurements and the prefixes used for making smaller and larger measurements.

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