Semi – Detailed Lesson Plan in Science 8

I. Objectives
By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to

a. Define and explain the concept of calibration.

b. Explain the importance of calibration in various industries.
c. Perform basic calibration techniques on various measuring instruments using
calibration equipment.
d. Interpret and analyze calibration readings to determine instrument accuracy.

II. Subject Matter

a. Topic: Calibration
b. References: Online Resources and Grade 11 Science Text Books
c. Materials: PowerPoint Presentation, Video Presentation, Whiteboard or
Blackboard Markers, Laboratory Instruments, Handout: Steps of Calibration and
Common Terminologies

III. Introduction (10 minutes)

Warm-up Activity: A set of measuring instruments will be displayed on a table as
the start of the lesson, and then students will be asked if they have ever used any of
the instruments on the table.
Background Knowledge: Ask students whether they are familiar with the term
"calibration," and then emphasize the vital roles that these instruments function in
industries such as engineering, manufacturing, and quality control. Emphasize the
importance of precise and accurate measurements in meeting quality and safety
standards.
Preview: Begin by presenting the concept of calibration, indicating that the
discussion will address its topic, relevance, and procedures for ensuring measurement
dependability and precision.

IV. Lesson Proper (20 minutes)

1. Discuss what calibration is.
 Calibration is the process of adjusting a device to ensure the accuracy and
dependability of the measurements it gives. This can be done by comparing
readings from the underutilized device to ones from a recognized standard or
reference point. This type of comparison is used to find and correct any
measurement errors. Calibration is fundamental in preserving the required
precision and consistency, and it is used in purposes such as quality control,
experimental operations, and many forms of assessments.
2. Explain the importance of calibration in various industries
 Calibration is essential in many industries, including the food and beverage
business, pharmaceutical industry, aerospace industry, automotive industry,
and manufacturing and processing industries. Calibration, which enhances the
reliability, precision, and quality of device readings across industries, remains
a critical activity. Companies that invest in frequent calibration improve
quality control, increase productivity, and meet regulatory standards, building
trust in customers. Please express your thoughts on calibration and its impact
on industries that have not yet been discussed.
3. Discuss the calibrating steps and terminology.
 Calibration Steps
 1. Preparation: Collect all necessary documentation and resources. This
includes the instrument manual, calibration standards (reference
standards), and specific tools or software.
2. Preliminary Inspection: Visually inspect the instrument for any
physical damages which may impair the calibration process.
3. Zero Setting: Reset the instrument to zero before beginning the
calibration.
4. Application of Standard: Apply a known standard to the instrument.
Depending on the instrument, this could involve dimensions,
temperature, pressure, etc.
5. Measurement: Take readings from the instrument under test.
6. Comparison and Adjustment: Compare the measurement reading
from your instrument with the known standard. Make necessary
adjustments on the instrument until it aligns with the reference
standard value.
7. Documentation: Record all data and adjustments in a calibration log.
It is important to document the calibration process for traceability.
8. Recalibration Schedule: Determine and schedule when the
instrument should be recalibrated. This is typically based on time,
instrument usage, or the criticality of the measurements being taken.

 Common Calibration Terminology

a. Calibration: The process of configuring an instrument to provide a result
for a sample within an acceptable range.
b. Accuracy: The degree of closeness of a measured or calculated value to
its actual or true value.
c. Precision: The level of repeatability or reproducibility of measurements.
d. Traceability: The ability to relate individual measurement results to
national standards through an unbroken chain of comparisons.
e. Uncertainty: An estimate that defines a range around a measured or
calculated value, within which the true value is asserted to lie with a
certain probability.
f. Standards: Known values against which measurements are compared.
g. Bias: The difference between the expectation (or true value) and the mean
of measured values.
h. Calibration Interval: The period of time during which a product can
reasonably be expected to remain within its specification limits, while in
use, between successive calibrations.
i. Tolerance: The total amount by which a quantity is allowed to vary from
nominal; this includes the instruments' intrinsic error plus change over
time.

V. Guided Practice (20 minutes)

“The Great Calibration Race”
1. The class will be split into two groups of four students each. Each team will
next be given a bowl of warm water and a bowl of cold water (with ice), as
well as a traditional thermometer and a digital thermometer.
2. Each team is expected to simultaneously measure the temperatures of both the
heated and cooled water using the two types of thermometers. They must
record the values obtained during this process.
3. Next, the groups should compare the temperature readings from the two
thermometers and discuss whether they observe any variations in the results,
indicating an issue with accuracy. This exercise introduces them to the
concept of calibration, which indicates that an instrument accurately conveys
its true value.
 4. Each group should try to figure out whether the thermometers need to be
adjusted. They can recalibrate a digital thermometer with a calibration feature
by following the manufacturer's instructions. In addition, the groups should
develop theoretical techniques to adjusting their measuring tools.
5. When the re-calibration is finished, return to the task of measuring the temperatures
of both the warm and cold water.

VI. Summary and Evaluation (10 minutes)

A. Summary

 Calibration, a crucial process in measurement science, involves adjustments

and validation of an instrument's accuracy by comparing it to recognized
standards. It aims to reduce measurement discrepancies and bolster reliability.
The discussion explored causes of discrepancies, identifying calibration needs,
and methods for recalibrating instruments, emphasizing critical thinking and
problem-solving. The conversation highlighted the importance of
documentation, traceability, and calibration intervals, stressing calibration's
role in ensuring accuracy, quality, safety, and its economic impact.

B. Evaluation
 The students will take a brief quiz featuring multiple-choice, short-answer, and
problem-solving problems.

 Students will next be asked to pick out the important lessons from the
conversation.

VII. Assignment