Laboratory Exercise:

Units and Conversions: Authentic Learning #1: Part 2. Basis English - SI Conversions:

Area Conversions

Step #1 Problem Definition

To empirically determine the relationship (conversion factor) between square feet and square meters

Step #2 Collect Information

Design a method utilizing the floor tile grid, an English/metric ruler and masking tape to estimate the conversion factor (a suggestion is to "count blocks")

Step #3 Calculate the Result

Create the conversion relationship from the experimental data

Step #4 Refine the Solution

Is your group pleased with the procedure? Should you refine the method in order to enhance the accuracy of the results?

Step #5a Test the Result

Test the results by comparing your conversion factor with published conversion factors and then calculate the % difference between the results.

Step #5b Lessons learned

Does your conversion factor compare favorably with the published value? If not, what contributed to the difference? Should the procedure be refined and rerun?

Mass Conversions

Step #1 Problem Definition

To empirically determine the relationship (conversion factor) between ounces and grams

Step #2 Collect Information

Design an experiment to determine the conversion from ounces to grams by utilizing a double pan balance, ounce weights and gram weights.

Step #3 Calculate the Result

Create the conversion relationship from the experimental data

Step #4 Refine the Solution

Is your group pleased with the procedure? Should you refine the method in order to enhance the accuracy of the results?

Step #5a Test the Result

Test the results by comparing your conversion factor with published conversion factors and then calculate the % difference between the results. Weigh one of the other oz weights and check the repeatability of the process.

Step #5b Lessons learned

Does your conversion factor compare favorably with the published value? If not, what contributed to the difference? Should the procedure be refined and rerun?

Temperature Conversions

Step #1 Problem Definition

To empirically determine the relationship (conversion equation) between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scale

Step #2 Collect Information

Design a method utilizing F and C thermometers with at least five significantly different measurement temperatures (i.e. range from 0F to 212F- the lab has a refrigerator freezer, ice, ovens and hot plates)

Step #3 Calculate the Result

Create the conversion relationship from the experimental data by plotting the data on graph paper (do a scatter plot). Your group should create an empirical equation that relates F and C

Step #4 Refine the Solution

Is your group pleased with the procedure? Should you refine the method in order to enhance the accuracy of the results?

Step #5a Test the Result

Test the results by comparing your conversion factor with published conversion factors and then calculate the % difference between the results.

Step #5b Lessons learned

Does your conversion factor compare favorably with the published value? If not, what contributed to the difference? Should the procedure be refined and rerun?

Time Conversions

What is the basic unit of time in the English System? in the International Metric System? What is the conversion factor?

Your Team should write a Laboratory Report with letter of transmittal (due in two class periods) that meets the departmental guidelines. (see syllabus handout)

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