Grades 6-8
Laboratory tools, Laboratory skills, Metric system, Following a protocol
Micropipette Challenge is an activity developed to introduce students to micropipettes, a commonly-used laboratory tool.
A micropipette is a very fine pipette tool for measuring, transferring, or injecting very small quantities of liquid. This tool has revolutionized the handling of small liquid volumes and is used across all fields of science, including, chemistry, biology, forensic science, pharmaceutics, etc. Micropipettes use a scale of measurement that is based on the metric system. The metric system is a system of measurement based on the powers of 10 and is also synonymous with the System of International Units, which is the most widely used system of measurement.
The Micropipette Challenge is a perfect introductory activity, allowing students to gain experience with the tools and techniques used in other Learning Undefeated labs. In this lab, students work with small amounts of liquid to create a visible spectrum. Students will also learn how to carefully read and follow a scientific protocol, as well as gain experience working with units in the metric system.
Students will be able to
- Understand how to properly use a micropipette
- Read and follow a laboratory protocol
- Unit conversion
- Unit conversion from microliters to milliliters
Next Generation Science Standards Connections
Crosscutting Concept: Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Science and Engineering Practice: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science Connections
BIOL.2F: collect and organize qualitative and quantitative data and make measurements with accuracy and precision using tools such as data-collecting probes, standard laboratory glassware, microscopes, various prepared slides, stereoscopes, metric rulers, balances, gel electrophoresis apparatuses, micropipettes, hand lenses, Celsius thermometers, hot plates, lab notebooks or journals, timing devices, Petri dishes, lab incubators, dissection equipment, meter sticks, and models, diagrams, or samples of biological specimens or structures
CHEM.2E: plan and implement investigative procedures, including asking questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and selecting equipment and technology, including graphing calculators, computers and probes, electronic balances, an adequate supply of consumable chemicals, and sufficient scientific glassware such as beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, pipettes, graduated cylinders, volumetric flasks, and burettes
E.2G: demonstrate the use of course apparatuses, equipment, techniques, and procedures, including meter sticks, rulers, pipettes, graduated cylinders, triple beam balances, timing devices, pH meters or probes, thermometers, calculators, computers, Internet access, turbidity testing devices, hand magnifiers, work and disposable gloves, compasses, first aid kits, binoculars, field guides, water quality test kits or probes, soil test kits or probes, 100-foot appraiser’s tapes, tarps, shovels, trowels, screens, buckets, and rock and mineral samples
Virginia Science Standards of Learning Connections
BIO.1B: planning and carrying out investigations
CH.1B: planning and carrying out investigations
PH.1B: planning and carrying out investigations