The Metric System, Equipment & Graphing

Chapter One

Mathematics is the Language of Science.

• Quantitative vs. Qualitative– Quantitative includes NUMBERS– Qualitative is a description – feels

cold, bubbling, strong smell

• Scientists collect data using the METRIC SYSTEM.– Can you name a country (other

than the US) that does NOT use the Metric System??

The Metric System

• Kilo (K)

• Hecto (H) Large Measurements

• Deka (Dk)– Add a BASIC UNIT to the end of each prefix, such as

Gram, Meter, Liter, Second.

• Deci (d)

• Centi (c) Small Measurements

• Milli (m)

Metric Conversions

• Scientists often have to convert from one metric measurement to another.

• Example Problem: A roll of copper wire contains 15 m of wire. What is the length of the wire in centimeters?

• To answer the problem, use the LADDER method!

The Ladder Method*See Handout*

King

Henry

Died Problem: Convert meters to centimeters.

By -Start at meters (basic unit).

Drinking -Move decimal 2 places to the right.

Chocolate

Milk

Let’s try the handout!

Chemistry Equipment*See Handout*

• There are lots of equipment that you will need to recognize in the lab.

• You will have a few days to learn these names! Then….a quiz!

Organizing Data

• Line Graphs – used to show changes in data

• Bar/Pie Graphs – used to compare data

Anatomy of a Graph• X – axis – horizontal

– The Independent Variable

• Y – axis – vertical– The Dependent Variable

• Legend – identifies lines

• Title

• Axes Labels

Clients in the 1990’s

Years

Analyzing Data• Data often has to be

calculated. These are common calculations you should be able to do:

• Mean - average• Median – middle number• Mode – most repeated number• Range – largest minus

smallest number

• Calculate the following data:

• Student A 4

• Student B 3

• Student C 3

• Student D 2

Example Problem• Mean

• Median

• Mode

• Range

• Calculate the following data:

• Student A 4

• Student B 3

• Student C 3

• Student D 2

4+3+3+2 = 12

12 / 4 = 3

3 (it falls between 4 and 2)

3 (it’s the most repeated)

4 – 2 = 2

Can you make a line graph using Microsoft Excel?

• Make a graph using the Popcorn Lab data!

• *See Handout for directions*

• Be sure to include your calculations!