PASCO ME-9849 Significant Figures Set - Manual (Page 9)

Model No. ME-9849 Significant Figures Set
7 ®
Activity 3:
Length Measurements with the True Meter Stick
Before the Lab:
1. Try to find an object of standard length that is easy to measure like the width of a sheet of
paper.
2. Allow students to use as many significant figures as possible. (Do not discuss or use the term
"significant figures.")
3. Write the following data table on the board.
Procedure
1. Measure the length of the object (in meters) with the meter stick. Use as many digits after the
decimal point as you can read.
1. Write your measurement on the board.
Post-Lab Discussion
The discussion should lead students to the conventional understanding of significant figures as the
number of digits that can be read with certainty plus an estimated digit. This would be an
appropriate time to discuss parallax with the students.
Equipment Required Part Number
Four-sided meter stick part of ME-9849
Sample object (for measuring)
Group # Length (cm)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8