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Science Quiz - Investigating - Using Measuring Instruments (Questions)

Learn how KS1 scientists use rulers, scales and thermometers to measure carefully, compare results and explain which object is longer, heavier or warmer using real readings.

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Fascinating Fact:

When we are using instruments to compare, we can say, “This one is longer/heavier/warmer than that one,” using our readings.

In KS1 Science, you learn to use simple measuring instruments accurately. By reading scales carefully, you can compare objects and explain your ideas clearly using real numbers and evidence.

Key Terms

Measuring instrument: A tool, like a ruler or thermometer, used to find out how long, heavy, or hot something is.
Scale: The set of numbers or markings on an instrument that shows the measurement.
Compare: To look at two or more measurements and decide which is more, less, longer, shorter, hotter, or colder.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do you teach KS1 children to use measuring instruments?

Start with simple tools like rulers, sand timers, and thermometers. Show how to line objects up carefully, read the scale, and record numbers in a clear table.

Why is accurate measurement important in KS1 science?

Accurate measurement is important because it helps children make fair comparisons, spot real differences, and give conclusions that are based on evidence, not guesses.

What measuring tools are used in KS1 science investigations?

Common tools include rulers and tape measures for length, measuring jugs for volume, kitchen scales for mass, and thermometers for temperature in simple experiments.

Try These Related Quizzes

1.

Adil is using a sand timer. It measures an hour. How does Adil know when the hour is up?

[ ]	Half the sand has run into the bottom
[ ]	All the sand is still in the top
[ ]	All the sand has run into the bottom
[ ]	A third of the sand has run into the bottom

2.

This is used to measure time in seconds. You press it once to start it. You press it again to stop it. What is it?

[ ]	A clock
[ ]	A stop-watch
[ ]	A compass
[ ]	A thermostat

3.

This is also a timer. What time does it show?

[ ]	20 minutes and 30 seconds
[ ]	2 minutes and 30 seconds
[ ]	30 minutes and 2 seconds
[ ]	2 minutes and 3 seconds

4.

Zara and Tom are doing science at school. They are finding out how much things weigh. They are using a _______.

[ ]	Timer
[ ]	Ruler
[ ]	Balance
[ ]	Calculator

5.

This is a digital balance in a science laboratory. It is used to measure weights. Sunil is weighing a liquid in a beaker. What happens if Sunil pours half the liquid away?

[ ]	The reading goes up
[ ]	The reading goes down
[ ]	The reading stays the same
[ ]	The balance stops working

6.

These are bathroom scales. What do they measure?

[ ]	Your temperature
[ ]	Your height
[ ]	Your speed
[ ]	Your weight

7.

Sunil is doing an experiment. He wants to know which material is best for keeping warm.

He is testing feathers, wool and fur.

He is measuring the temperature. What is he using?

[ ]	Rulers
[ ]	Counters
[ ]	Thermometers
[ ]	Computers

8.

Anna is growing bean seeds at school. She counts how many have sprouted.

This is how she writes it down. How many have sprouted?

[ ]	1
[ ]	4
[ ]	5
[ ]	8

9.

Anna’s friend, Bella has also planted bean seeds. More of Bella’s seeds have grown. How many of Bella’s seeds have grown?

[ ]	6
[ ]	18
[ ]	23
[ ]	28

10.

Adam’s Mum is measuring his height. What is she using?

[ ]	Ruler
[ ]	Balance
[ ]	Scales
[ ]	Tape measure

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Working scientifically

Science Quiz - Investigating - Using Measuring Instruments (Answers)

1.

Adil is using a sand timer. It measures an hour. How does Adil know when the hour is up?

[ ]	Half the sand has run into the bottom
[ ]	All the sand is still in the top
[x]	All the sand has run into the bottom
[ ]	A third of the sand has run into the bottom

How does Adil start the timer again?

2.

This is used to measure time in seconds. You press it once to start it. You press it again to stop it. What is it?

[ ]	A clock
[x]	A stop-watch
[ ]	A compass
[ ]	A thermostat

A stop-watch is a timer

3.

This is also a timer. What time does it show?

[ ]	20 minutes and 30 seconds
[ ]	2 minutes and 30 seconds
[ ]	30 minutes and 2 seconds
[x]	2 minutes and 3 seconds

Do you use timers at school?

4.

Zara and Tom are doing science at school. They are finding out how much things weigh. They are using a _______.

[ ]	Timer
[ ]	Ruler
[x]	Balance
[ ]	Calculator

When does it balance? - When both sides are the same

5.

This is a digital balance in a science laboratory. It is used to measure weights. Sunil is weighing a liquid in a beaker. What happens if Sunil pours half the liquid away?

[ ]	The reading goes up
[x]	The reading goes down
[ ]	The reading stays the same
[ ]	The balance stops working

Would you like to work in a science laboratory?

6.

These are bathroom scales. What do they measure?

[ ]	Your temperature
[ ]	Your height
[ ]	Your speed
[x]	Your weight

Do you have bathroom scales at home?

7.

Sunil is doing an experiment. He wants to know which material is best for keeping warm.

He is testing feathers, wool and fur.

He is measuring the temperature. What is he using?

[ ]	Rulers
[ ]	Counters
[x]	Thermometers
[ ]	Computers

Which do you think will keep you warmest - feathers, wool or fur?

8.

Anna is growing bean seeds at school. She counts how many have sprouted.

This is how she writes it down. How many have sprouted?

[ ]	1
[ ]	4
[x]	5
[ ]	8

Do you sometimes count like this?

9.

Anna’s friend, Bella has also planted bean seeds. More of Bella’s seeds have grown. How many of Bella’s seeds have grown?

[ ]	6
[ ]	18
[ ]	23
[x]	28

Why might Bella’s bean seeds have grown better than Anna’s?

10.

Adam’s Mum is measuring his height. What is she using?

[x]	Ruler
[ ]	Balance
[ ]	Scales
[ ]	Tape measure

A tape measure is bendy, a ruler is not