Introduce your young child or student to the wonder of science with our printable coloring pages based on three key scientific instruments: the pH meter, spectrophotometer, and oxygen analyzer. Each pdf coloring page includes a brief description of the instrumentation with multiple images related to the basic science concepts behind it, as well as a printed URL for browsing additional learning resources. Plus, we've used large type and oversized outlines to make coloring easy and fun for younger kids.
pH Meter Activity Page
What's a pH meter? This tool was designed to test acidity. Some substances (like citrus fruit) have high acidity. Other substances (like toothpaste) have greater basicity. And still other substances (like water) are neutral. This is useful information. The pH meter is commonly used in the laboratory by scientists, as well as by student researchers in school. But it's also been used in a lot of other settings. Click here to read about an example that includes Dr. Arnold O. Beckman and view an actual pH meter. Click here to watch a video. Key science concepts associated with the pH meter include identifying acids and bases according to their number on the pH scale, and understanding chemical reactions involved in pH testing with indicators.
Ready to color? Click the link below to download the coloring page. For convenience, a preview is shown beneath the link.
Questions to ask your child or student as they color:
- Where is the beaker with the unidentified substance?
- Which substance has high acidity - the lemon, the water droplet, or the toothpaste?
- What image on the page shows a scientist who might use a pH meter to test acidity?
Spectrophotometer Activity Page
What's a spectrophotometer? This tool was designed to measure the amount of UV light absorbed by a substance. This information helped determine the chemical composition of complex substances more accurately. It also reduced the time needed for analysis. During WWII, the spectrophotometer helped the U.S. military produce higher octane gas and recognize vitamin A-rich foods for soldiers. Vitamin A improved soldiers' night vision, and the spectrophotometer reduced the need for lab rat experiments. Click here to read more about this important instrument by Dr. Arnold O. Beckman and view an actual spectrophotometer. Click here and here to watch videos. Key science concepts associated with the spectrophotometer include understanding different types of light sources, their properties, the electromagnetic spectrum, and identifying where visible light is located.
Ready to color? Click the link below to download the coloring page. For convenience, a preview is shown beneath the link.
Questions to ask your child or student as they color:
- Where is the image that shows UV light being absorbed?
- What two images represent Vitamin A and night vision?
- Which image on the page shows a place where a spectrophotometer might be found?
Oxygen Analyzer Activity Page
What's an oxygen analyzer? This tool was designed for measuring the concentration of oxygen in the air. People need oxygen in their lungs to breathe. Too much oxygen or too little oxygen in the air can create problems, so it's important to be able to measure the amount of oxygen in the air - especially when it's used in hospital settings (with incubators and preemie babies), underwater (in submarines and scuba diving), or in space (in astronaut life support systems). Click here to read how Dr. Arnold O. Beckman helped manufacture this important instrument and view an actual oxygen analyzer. Click here to watch a video. Key science concepts associated with the oxygen analyzer include understanding the role of oxygen in respiration, why oxygen levels need to be measured, and learning how magnetism works.
Ready to color? Click the link below to download the coloring page. For convenience, a preview is shown beneath the link.
Questions to ask your child or student as they color:
- Where is the organ that uses oxygen to help people breathe?
- Which two images represent a hospital and an incubator for preemie babies?
- What image on the page shows an astronaut who might use an oxygen analyzer in their life support system?
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