Practical requirements
Learn the G1 measurement skills used across Science: select suitable instruments, determine average speed and use a multimeter correctly.
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Before you begin
Practical skill means taking real measurements safely and recording them clearly. Start with choosing instruments and reading scales. Then use those habits to measure average speed and use a multimeter safely.
Be comfortable with: reading a simple scale, writing a value with its unit, and following laboratory safety instructions.
Learning goals
- Measurements of length, mass, temperature, time interval, volume of liquids/solids and force (e.g. weight) using appropriate instruments
- Determination of average speed of an object
- Measurements of current, voltage and resistance using multimeter
How the ideas connect
- Choose instruments and take trustworthy readings
- Find average speed from distance and time
- Use a multimeter safely
Lessons
Work through them in order.
- Measuring common quantitiesChoose suitable instruments, read scales, check zero errors and record trustworthy measurements.
- Measuring average speedMatch distance to timing events, combine comparable repeats and evaluate an average-speed estimate.
- Using a multimeter safelyChoose the mode, sockets, range and connection for current, potential difference and resistance.
Practise and check
Or choose
Topic reference
Quick reference
| To measure | Use | Connect or read |
|---|---|---|
| current | multimeter on A or mA | in series |
| voltage | multimeter on V | across the component |
| resistance | multimeter on Ω | across the component, with the power disconnected |
| liquid volume | measuring cylinder | bottom of the meniscus, at eye level |
| average speed | tape and stopwatch | total distance ÷ total time |
Core knowledge to remember
- Match the instrument and its range to the quantity being measured.
- Check the zero, read a scale with your eye level with the mark, and record every value with its unit.
- Repeat a measurement when readings may vary, then calculate the mean.
- Find average speed from total distance divided by total time, including any stops.
Common mistakes
- Reading a scale at an angle, causing parallax error.
- Forgetting to subtract a zero error.
- Starting and stopping the stopwatch on different parts of a moving object.
- Connecting a meter on a current setting across a component or a supply.