Quick answer: Mass is the amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms or grams with a balance. This grade 6 science lab on mass and volume gives the aim, the equipment, the safety points, a step-by-step method, sample results and 7 analysis questions; the answers are on a separate page and the lab sheet is a free printable PDF.
Does the heaviest stone always take up the most space? In this lab you measure the mass of four stones on a balance and their volume by displacement, then compare the two rankings. Everything fits on a school bench.
Level: Grade 6 science (Year 7 · Class 6) · Curriculum: SEP measurement
Aim
To find the mass and the volume of four small stones, and to compare the order of their masses with the order of their volumes.
Equipment
- 100 mL graduated cylinder
- 4 small stones, each tied to a 30 cm thread
- Balance (0.1 g steps)
- Water and a dropper
- Paper towel
Safety
Mop up any spilled water at once so nobody slips. Lower the stones gently down the side of the cylinder so the glass does not crack.
Method
- Check that the balance reads zero, then find the mass of each stone and record it.
- Pour water into the cylinder up to about 50 mL and use the dropper to set the bottom of the meniscus on 50 mL.
- Hold stone A by its thread and lower it slowly until it is fully under water. Read the new level with your eye level with the surface.
- Remove the stone, dry it, and check that the level returns to 50 mL.
- Repeat for stones B, C and D.
Results
| Stone | Mass (g) | Start level (mL) | Final level (mL) | Volume (cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 21.4 | 50 | 58 | to calculate |
| B | 37.9 | 50 | 64 | to calculate |
| C | 12.6 | 50 | 55 | to calculate |
| D | 18.0 | 50 | 65 | to calculate |
Analysis questions
Question 1 Volumes of the stones
Calculate the volume of each stone.Question 2 Two orders
List the stones from smallest to largest by mass, then by volume. Are the lists the same?Question 3 All four together
Calculate the total mass of the four stones and predict the water level if all four were lowered into 50 mL of water.Question 4 Repeat readings
Three trials for stone A gave volumes of 8 cm³, 9 cm³ and 8 cm³. Calculate the mean volume to one decimal place.Question 5 Uncertainty
Each level reading is uncertain by ±0.5 mL, so each volume is uncertain by ±1 mL. Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the volume of stone C and of stone B.Question 6 Sources of error
Describe two things that could make the volumes wrong.Question 7 Improvement
Suggest one change that would give a more precise volume for stone C.
