Practice identifying science tools and deciding when to use a ruler, thermometer, balance, or hand lens.
Read each problem carefully. Choose the best science tool and explain your thinking when asked.
Choosing and using tools to measure and observe
Science - Grade 2-3
- 1
Mia wants to find out how long a pencil is. Which science tool should she use?
- 2
A class wants to know how warm the classroom air is. Which science tool should they use?
- 3
Leo wants to compare the mass of two rocks. Which science tool should he use?
- 4
A student wants to look closely at the tiny lines on a leaf. Which science tool should the student use?
- 5
Draw a line to match each tool with what it measures or helps you observe: ruler, thermometer, balance, hand lens. Choices: temperature, length, tiny details, mass.
- 6
Nora measures a crayon with a ruler. One end is at 0 centimeters and the other end is at 9 centimeters. How long is the crayon?
- 7
A thermometer reads 30°C outside and 20°C inside. Which place is warmer?
- 8
A balance has an apple on one side and a banana on the other side. The apple side goes down. Which object has more mass?
- 9
Which tool would help you observe the legs of an ant more clearly: a ruler, thermometer, balance, or hand lens?
- 10
Sam says, 'I can use a thermometer to find the length of my desk.' Is Sam correct? Explain your answer.
- 11
A plant grew from 6 centimeters tall to 10 centimeters tall. Which tool could measure the plant's height, and how much did it grow?
- 12
You want to observe grains of sand and then compare the mass of two piles of sand. Which two tools should you use?
- 13
Look at the picture of four science tools. Write the name of each tool and one job it does.