Observation & Measurement Skills
Science: KS3, topic 4.1.13
Observation and Measurement Skills
Observations are key in science. The smallest observation may make a large difference to your results.
Preliminary data
- After a practical at school, your teacher gives you the exact measurements.
- Exact measurements are not attained by chance.
- Exact measurements come from trial and error.
Previous experiments
- Lots of people have tried your experiment before you.
- These people have tried to get the best measurements you need for your results.
- The best measurements will improve your results.
- Your results will lead to valid conclusions.
Scales
- It is important to read scales carefully.
- The equipment you use should give you a high resolution of results.
- For example, a beaker with a range of 10ml has a higher resolution than one with a scale of 50ml.
- You can get more accurate results with a higher resolution.
Range of Data and results tables
- The range of data is from the smallest number to the largest number.
- The range should give a clear pattern of results.
- Data should then be put in a results table.
The results table
- The results table must be drawn using:
- A ruler
- The columns in the table must:
- Be clear
- Include the units of measurement
Columns of a table
- The first column is normally the independent variable.
- The independent variable is the one you change.
- The next columns are the dependent variables.
- The dependent variables are the ones you measure.
Test yourself on Observation & Measurement Skills
What should normally be in the first column of your results table?
Select the true statement from each pair.
Good measurements lead to valid conclusions. What would most likely happen to the conclusions if measurements were not accurate?
A student has two measuring cylinders. One has a scale of 5 ml. The other has a scale of 25 ml. Which cylinder would give more accurate readings?