Scientific Measurement Exercise
Source Institutions
-
Berkeley Natural History Museums
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Learners measure irregularly shaped bones using a variety of measurement methods and tools. Then, they measure again using standard conventions and metric tape measures. Learners understand the importance of standardizing measurements to make observations more precise and repeatable. Additionally, they learn that the forms of bones are related to their functions.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- cervical (neck) vertebra of a large mammal
- padding on which to set the bones
- various tools for measuring length
- metric tape measure
- Student Worksheet
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Earth's History
- Fossils
- Earth's History
- Life Sciences
- Human Body
- Skeleton
- Human Body
- Mathematics
- Measurement
- Units of Measurement
- Measurement
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Communicating Results
- The Scientific Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Wedel, Matt
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Berkeley Natural History Museums and the Regents of the University of California, ©2011
