7th grade integrated science

Standard 1, objective 1
Title: Measuring Mass and Volume
Description: Students will learn to measure mass and volume of common objects.
Time Needed: 2-50 minute periods
Materials: balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, rulers, overflow cups (optional)
Objects to measure such as wooden blocks, clay pieces, marbles, rocks, glass of
colored water.
Procedures:
1. You may wish to assemble kits of measurable objects for each student group or have
the students pass the same objects around the room. Either way, it is nice to be able to
discuss and compare results. This is possible If the objects are the same from group to
group,
2. Hook the students with a demonstration of volume using 3 different shaped 1 liter
(or larger) flasks or beakers. Ask the students if they hold the same amount or have the
same volume. Ask them to predict which might hold the greatest volume of water. Fill
one of the containers with water and demonstrate by pouring the water from it to
another flask that the volumes are the same (or not). Continue pouring from one flask
to the other until they have all been compared.
3. Read through the student sheet with students and explain the 3 ways volume can be
calculated. (l x w x h for cubic or rectangular shapes, water displacement for irregularly
shaped objects or direct measurement for liquids) Do a few practice problems to
provide examples. Demonstrate the use of the balance.
4. Show students an object they will measure and ask them to make a prediction on its
mass and volume.
4. Allow students time to make their measurements. Compare results as a class if
possible. Students can write their results on the board for each object and see how
close their findings are.

Student Sheet

Name___________________________________
Period______

Title: Measuring Mass and Volume

Introduction: Mass and volume are two very important ways we know how much of a
substance we have. Mass describes how much matter is present when compared to a
known mass. Mass is measured on a triple beam balance and the metric unit of
measurement is the gram. A gram has about the same mass as a large paper clip.
Volume is how much space something takes up and is measured in three ways. For
cubic or rectangular shapes, the formula length x width x height is used and cubic
centimeters are the units. Water displacement is used for irregularly shaped objects
and direct measurement for liquid volume. Liters or milliliters are the metric unit for
volume and a milliliter has the same volume as one cubic centimeter. The metric
system thinks of everything! What is a way you know your volume?
Materials: balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, rulers, overflow cups (optional)
Objects to measure such as wooden blocks, clay pieces, marbles, rocks.
Procedures:
1. Using the objects your teacher has provided, find their masses using the triple beam
balance. If the substance is in a container, you must subtract the mass of the container
from the mass of the substance and the container. Record your results.
2. Find the volume of the objects. Decide with your group which method of finding
volume will be used. Record your results.
3. Write your results on the board for each object. See how your groups
measurements compare to others in your class. If you have a measurement that is
quite different from the rest of the class, redo the measurement and see if you may
have made a mistake.
Prediction: What is the volume and mass of the object your teacher selects?
Data:
Object

Mass

Method of finding
volume

Volume

Analysis:
1. How did your results compare to the class results?

2. Which way of measuring volume seems most accurate?

Why?

3. What is the relationship between a cubic centimeter and a milliliter?

4. What is a way you can remember what mass is?

5. What is a way you can remember what volume is?

Conclusion: