Tools of Science

Here is a list of tools of science used by scientists, young and old, as they work and play. We selected four tools, but you can add more. The tools are the forceps, a pipette, a hand lens, and a ruler. Here is a brief description of each tool.

1. The forceps (other examples are chopsticks and tongs) are simple machines that help the scientist pick up small objects and move them around.
2. The Hand Lens is a magnifier that makes objects under appear larger.
3. The Ruler allows the scientist to measure how long an object is. Measurement is very important to the scientist.
4. The Pipette (eyedropper) is used to transfer liquids from one container to another. Some pipettes are calibrated or marked to let the scientist know how much liquid is being transferred or moved.
5. Magnets are used to help identify objects made of, or have, iron in them. Having a number of magnets with different strengths allows comparisons and strength.
6. A Digital Microscope is an awesome and Techi tool that allows the viewer to see small things on a computer. It is expensive but will last a young scientist to explore the small world both in and out of your house and for a long time.

When you have collected your set of science tools place them in your special science working area and share them with your children. An old toolbox would be a great storage area.

Here are a set of possible topics as you share with your.

1. Tell me what you know about these objects. What are they called? What can you tell me about how to use any of these? Go ahead and show me or tell me about all of them if you can.
2. How many are there? Let’s count.
3. Note to Adult: For each tool ask the child what it is called, what it is used for, and to explain how they think it is used.
4. Let’s start with the forceps. This tool is used to pick up small objects. What is the smallest object you can pick up with the forceps without crushing it? Can you pick up a cat or dog hair, or a human hair? Can you use forceps to move water from one container to another? Why or why not?
5. The hand lens or magnifier is used to enlarge objects viewed through it. (The easiest way for a child to use the hand lens is to place the lens next to the eye and bring the object being viewed up until a clear view is obtained.) Look carefully at a leaf through the hand lens and name something you noticed about the leaf when looking through the hand lens that you did not notice before.
6. The pipette or eyedropper is used for measuring and transferring water from one container to another. Try moving some colored water from one of the filled containers to an empty container. What would happen if you mixed two different colors of water by using the pipette to add equal volumes of each color to the same container? Try it and see.
7. The ruler is a tool for measuring the length of an item or measuring a distance. Sometimes measuring an item is easier if you stand the item on a table and hold the ruler vertically on the table next to the object you are measuring. The number even with or just above the object being measured is the answer. If you are measuring an item that won’t stand up, like a dog hair or a cat hair, then make sure the end of the object is lined up with the end of the ruler. Draw around your hand on a piece of paper. Use the ruler to determine how long your shortest and longest fingers are.
8. Magnets come in many different sizes and shapes. Some are very small so you likely will not want to use those because they can be swallowed easily. Some magnets have cool job like the cow magnet that is stuck down a cow’s throat and she swallows it. Working its way down, the magnet will collect nails and iron pieces that were swallowed as they graze. Check a feed store for them.
9. After trying out each of the tools, ask the child if more practice is needed. If so, keep working or come back the next day and work at science again. If you like being a scientist, you have to learn to use the tools of your area of study. These tools are used by most scientists.
10. Before putting the kit away, ask you child to use the items what they learned during this activity.
11. Have your child choose one tool to share with the someone else about what they learned from using it.
12. At the end of the session have the children clean and check the tools for problems. Then, put the science tools in the resealable bag and place the other materials in box for use the next time.
13. You should make your own science tool collection. Your teacher at school can find places where tools can be ordered. Some can be found at the local Dollar Store.

~ Dr. Bob ~