Curated OER
Measure Twice
Learners measure a variety of objects using the appropriate measuring tool. In this measurement lesson, students explain the importance of accuracy and precision in collecting data. They discuss the difference between the two.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Error, Accuracy, & Precision
A serious paper by serious geographers, discussing at full length the problems caused by error, inaccuracy, and imprecision in Geographical Information Systems. The definitive word in the real world.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Physics: Approximation
On many occasions, physicists, other scientists, and engineers need to make approximations or "guesstimates" for a particular quantity. What is the distance to a certain destination? What is the approximate density of a given item? About...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Close Enough?
Accuracy of measurement in navigation depends very much on the situation. If a sailor's target is an island 200 km wide, sailing off center by 10 or 20 km is not a major problem. But, if the island were only 1 km wide, it would be missed...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Computer Accuracy
Accuracy of measurement in navigation depends very much on the situation. If a sailor's target is an island 200 km wide, sailing off center by 10 or 20 km is not a major problem. But, if the island were only 1 km wide, it would be missed...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: About Accuracy and Approximation
Students learn about the concepts of accuracy and approximation as they pertain to robotics, gain insight into experimental accuracy, and learn how and when to estimate values that they measure. Students also explore sources of error...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Measure Twice, Cut Once
Young scholars learn the metric units engineers use to measure mass, distance (or length) and volume. They make estimations using these units and compare their guesses with actual values. To introduce the concepts, the teacher needs...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Error, Accuracy, and Precision Exam
A university exam on the topics of error, accuracy, and precision. Includes essay, short answer, and multiple-choice. Links to lecture and discussion notes. Answers to short essay and multiple-choice are provided.
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: Ap Physics: 1.3 Accuracy, Precision, and Significant Figures
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following: Determine the appropriate number of significant figures in both addition and subtraction, as well as multiplication and division calculations and Calculate the percent...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Episd: Physics: 1.8 Working With Error
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This learning opportunity examines two angles of working with error. Students will practice taking measurements with accuracy and precision and then consider the...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Precision in Measurement Finding When an Object Changes Color
This activity is an introduction to measurement, especially precision. Young scholars should know the difference between precision and accuracy in measurement. They will be able to answer the questions: At what temperature does the mood...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: Scientific Measurement: Reviewing Precision vs. Accuracy
This is a review lesson on the concept of precision vs. accuracy in the context of scientific measurement, intended to be used near the beginning of a Physics course. Young scholars practice measuring and reading scales accurately and...
American Association of Physics Teachers
Com Padre Digital Library: Open Source Physics: Micrometer Model
Use this virtual model to simulate the basic operations and accuracy of a micrometer while manipulating the physical parts of the object.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: What's the Difference Between Accuracy and Precision?
When we measure things, most people are only worried about how accurate, or how close to the actual value, they are. Looking at the process of measurement more carefully, you will see that there is another important consideration:...
Other
Bellevue: Accuracy vs. Precision & Error vs. Uncertainty
A really nice distinction here in this longish piece from the Bellevue Community College. It's not just accuracy vs. precision, but also error vs. uncertainty. This is a necessary additional consideration for any paper on the topic.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Accuracy and Precision
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] The difference between accuracy and precision is explained, accompanied by examples.
Educaplus (Jesús Peñas Cano)
Educaplus: Calibre
Learn how to measure the inside diameter, outside diameter and the depth of different parts. This interactive activity shows you six different calipers. Once you understand the exercise, then you can test your knowledge with a quiz.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Getting It Right!
In this lesson, students will investigate error. As shown in earlier activities from navigation lessons 1 through 3, without an understanding of how errors can affect your position, you cannot navigate well. Introducing accuracy and...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Measurement Uncertainty
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this interactive you will measure the box against the three different rulers to best determine the height of the box with each ruler. You will need a sign-in to access this media, but it will be well...
Other
Houston Community College: Accuracy, Precision, and Significant Figures
Learn about the topics of accuracy, precision, and significant figures in this section of a physics textbook. Chapter can also be downloaded in pdf.
Other
Artel: Lab Report 4: Defining Accuracy, Precision, and Trueness
This maker of precision instruments presents this solid article on the topic of accuracy and precision. Great discussion of types and sources of error, and quality control.
Chiral Publishing
Chiral Publishing: An Introduction to Chemistry: Reporting Values From Measurements: Audio Book
An interactive tutorial showing how scientists should report measurements from their experiments. Shows the basics in a way that anyone can understand.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Accuracy and Precision
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this interactive you will slide the red dot right to see how well each of the throwers can throw. You will need a sign-in to access this media, but it will be well worth your time!
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Chemistry: Accuracy and Precision
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes accuracy and precision.