Scientific Tools & Models

A Scientific Tool is anything that can be used to help a scientist to do the following things:Make ObservationsConduct ExperimentsGather & Collect DataAnalyze & Organize Information

Collected Store Information/Data

A Scientific Tool must be well-designed, constructed and tested until proven that it can provide dependable results throughout the scientific process

What are Scientific Tools

The Microscope From the Greek ‘mikros – scopein’

meaning ‘small to look, see’; it is an instrument designed to see objects that are too small for the naked eye

The 1st optical microscope was invented in 1590 in the Netherlands

The 1st compound optical microscope was invented by Galileo Galilei in 1625

Modern science has allowed for two main types of microscopes used today: Compound light– Most common, uses

two or more lenses and light to enlarge the image

Electron – Uses a fine electron beam to scan or pass through sample

The ComputerA computer is a programmable machine

designed to automatically and in order carry out a sequence of logical and mathematical operations

The first electronic computer was created in 1946

Computers can be found in many modern inventions from the pc to the mp3 player to industrial robots to fighter aircraft

Graduated Cylinder A piece of lab equipment used to measure volume It is marked along the sides with measurement

marks (l) and usually has a spout at the top CLIP (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGMiikvIYmM)

Balance A piece of lab equipment used to measure the mass

of an object Consists of a beam with a fulcrum in the middle and

two scales suspended from each side Measurements take place in (g)

CLIP (http://www.teachertube.com/video/how-to-use-a-triple-beam-balance-right-6263)

Meter Stick A piece of lab equipment used to measure length Measurements take place in (m)

Thermometer A piece of lab equipment used to measure

temperature Measurements take place in either (F) or (C)

United States uses (F)

Scientific Tools of Measurement

A scientific model is the representation of an object or a system

Models help scientists: Explain how something works Describe a structure Make predictions/hypothesize Explain the observations of an

experiment

Models do have limitations. The reason for this is that no matter how exact it becomes a model is still never the real thing being observed/studied.

Scientific ModelsNOT THIS…

THIS!!

3 Main Types of Scientific ModelsPhysical Model

A model you can touch; such as a model of the human body or a model of the digestive system

Mathematical ModelA model constructed from mathematical equations and data to

calculate or predict information; such as population growth or weather patterns

Many are compiled on the computer

Conceptual ModelA model that is a system of ideas or comparisons that support a

larger scientific idea; such as the Big Bang Theory

The End!!!!