Tag Archives: lab equipment

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Bad Science

I post this picture because it eloquently relays a single, simple message: bad science.

How NOT to determine the mass of a sample.

How NOT to determine the mass of a sample.

How many things wrong can you identify in this photo? FYI, this is how one class left my room the other day.

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Posted on September 10, 2013 in Grade 9 Science

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Making Scientific Data Tables

Posted on August 28, 2013 | 4 comments

ImageData tables are just that: tables of your results. Tables should be organized before you start your experiment, so that you can concentrate on your method instead of scrambling to organize your information while you work. Trust me on this: you will discover that your experiments go more smoothly if you come to class with your data tables set up, so that all you have to do is write the numbers in the right place.
Some rules for data tables included in your lab reports:

  1. Tables need a title! The title should identify what information is in the table.
  2. All columns should be labeled and include the units of measurement at the top.
  3. Use only numbers in the cells. (If you include the units as well, computers won’t read them as numbers, and they won’t be able to plot them on a graph for you.)
  4. Use the same number of decimal places in every measurement in a column.
  5. Center your numbers both vertically and horizontally to make the table easier to read.

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Posted in Environmental Systems, Grade 9 Science

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Grade 9 Science Skills Test Coming Up!

Posted on August 27, 2013 | Leave a comment

Your first unit test is rapidly approaching! It will be a 5-part test on Friday 6 September (9A and 9C) and Monday 9 September (9B). Here are the 5 sections of the test:

  1. Common equipment – identify by name and use
  2. Lab safety rules – explain them
  3. Unit conversion and dimensional analysis – like the HW assignment
  4. Demonstrate use of graduated cylinder, electronic balance, and Bunsen burner
  5. Create a data table and a graph from given raw data

Please note that part 4 is a demonstration stage. Each student will be called to the central demo table, where I will observe your skills using a graduated cylinder, electronic balance, and Bunsen burner. You will have exactly 2 minutes to accomplish 3 tasks with these tools, so please make sure you are comfortable using them!

The test will be scored under Criterion C (Scientific Knowledge) and Criterion F (Attitudes in Science).

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Posted in Grade 9 Science

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