← High School Physics Lab Manual
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High School Physics Lab Manual
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High School Physics Lab Manual – Flashcards
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| What is physics based on, according to the manual? | Observation and experiment, using measurements of quantities like length, volume, mass, and temperature. |
| Accuracy | How close a measurement is to the correct (true) value for that measurement. |
| Precision | The spread or difference between a group of repeated measurements; considers range and consistency of repeated results. |
| Volume | The amount of space that a substance or object occupies, or the amount of space enclosed within a container. |
| Displacement method | A technique for measuring the volume of an object (especially oddly shaped ones) by placing it in a container with a known volume of water and measuring the change in fluid level. |
| Significant figures | Figures read from a measuring instrument plus one doubtful (estimated) digit retained by the observer. |
| Rule for nonzero digits in significant figures | Nonzero digits are always considered significant. |
| Rule for zeros between nonzero digits | Zeros surrounded by nonzero digits on both sides are considered significant (act as placeholders). |
| Rule for trailing zeros (e.g., 1000) | Zeros to the right of significant figures are not significant unless they appear to the right of a decimal point (e.g., 2.00). |
| Lab 1 topic | Measurement, Precision, and Accuracy — covers measuring volume, mass, and distance using various tools. |
| Main introduction (lab component) | Introductory section presenting big-picture concepts, real-world connections, pioneering physicists/experiments, and relevant equations for the lab. |
| "In this lab you will learn" section | Lists the learning objectives/take-away points students should master after completing the lab activities. |
| Safety precautions section | Bullet points in each activity listing important safety issues to prevent injury during lab work. |
| "For this activity you will need…" section | Lists all materials required for an activity, which students should identify before starting. |
| Activity introduction | Short section with background info, formulas, or equations specific to a particular activity. |
| Process steps | The sequential instructions for carrying out an activity; should be read fully (with diagrams) before starting Step 1. |
| Data and observations section | Provides tables and space to record data, with attention to correct units and legible recording. |
| Assessments section | Questions at the end of a lab that test student understanding of the lab material. |
| TEKS | Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills — state standards tagged within labs and assessments to help locate relevant content. |
| OpenStax | The nonprofit ed-tech initiative based at Rice University that publishes this free, openly licensed physics lab manual. |
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