The most common use of tools by scientists is to measure and analyze data. Researchers use microscopes, telescopes, digital recorders and other equipment to collect information. This data can then be used to study biological specimens or to understand the physical world around us.
Scientists also use tools to extract information from samples. For example, they may use a chemical extraction method to get chemicals out of a rock sample. By understanding the compounds that are present in a sample, scientists can learn more about the materials that were present at the time the sample was formed.