Using Tools in Science - Tools Extend Us, The Right Tool, TELEVISION, MUSIC PLAYER, LIGHT BULB, CELL PHONE, Scientific Tools Everywhere

We all use tools to get things done. To eat soup, we use a spoon. To move a heavy box, we use a cart. To sign our name, we use a pen. Every tool, large or small, exists to do a job. Tools allow us to do things beyond our natural abilities. Some tools extend our physical strength, our reach, and our speed. Other tools expand the limits of our senses. Still others provide us with added brain …

3 minute read

Tools That Extend the Senses - Observing Far Away, Types of Telescopes, Observing Close Up, How an Optical Microscope Works

We use our senses to observe everything around us. For some scientists, though, that is not enough. They rely on tools that go far beyond what their own senses can take in. Binoculars, which are handheld, are two telescopes side-by-side. Telescopes make distant objects such as planets and stars seem bigger and closer. The optical telescope is the most common type. Just like our eyes, this …

5 minute read

Measurement Tools - The Metric System, Measuring Temperature, Different Temperature Scales, Measuring Weight, Using an Equal-Arm Balance

An object's size and weight are both measurable. We can also measure such things as how far, how much, and how hot or cold. Even when and where are measurable. Although these measurements are different from one another, they all have something in common. Each one relates to a specific set of units that people have agreed upon. France first adopted the metric system in 1795. Today, peo…

8 minute read

Models as Tools - PHYSICAL MODELS, Models of How Things Work, TWO-DIMENSIONAL, THREE-DIMENSIONAL, Computer Models

Scientists often use words to explain their findings. But presenting ideas in a visual way is sometimes more effective. Such visual models represent a real object or process. Models may even explain a law of nature. Some models are two-dimensional (2D), while others are three-dimensional (3D). Other models may move in some way. Whatever type of model, it can serve as a tool for understanding…

2 minute read

Scientific Tools Are Changing - Computer Technology, Tiny Technology, Tools are Tools

Scientific knowledge is growing everyday. As a result, new technology is developing all the time. This technology often improves our lives in some way. But this same technology can also open new doors for scientists. Many of them make use of the latest tools to explore their ideas. Their new discoveries can give rise to new technology. Young scientists are eager to test their ideas. Comput…

1 minute read

GLOSSARY

accuracy (AK-yuh-ruh-see): being careful and exact angstrom (ANG-strum): 1/10,000,000 millimeter (1/254,000,000 inch) centrifuge (SEN-trif-yooj): a spinning machine that separates substances of different densities chromatograph (KROH-muh-to-grahf): a device that separates substances by pushing them through a material that absorbs each substance at a different rate. convex (KON-veks)…

1 minute read