National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Is Measuring an Art or a Science?
Not only do future engineers learn the difference between accuracy and precision, they also get some hands-on experience using different measuring tools.
Curated OER
The Floating Egg Problem
This is the grown-up version of the classic "float an egg in salt water" experience, plus an experiment in soap making. High schoolers explore density, but more importantly, practice accuracy, precision, and the use of significant...
Normal Community High School
Scientific Measurement
Pupils learn everything from how to take scientific measurements, to accuracy/precision, to density and a plethora of topics from a presentation on the metric system.
Santa Monica College
Introducing Measurements in the Laboratory
We use basic units of measurement to break down things and communicate clearly. The first lesson in an 11-part series teaches the proper way to measure various items. It starts simply with measuring the dimensions and areas of geometric...
Curated OER
Are Our Chemical Measurements Accurate or Precise?
What is the difference between accuracy and precision? This instructional activity has students define the terms accuracy and precision, and compare bulleye diagrams to find examples of both. Students analyze given data and determine the...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Robot Basketball
Hold a free-throw shooting challenge in your engineering class! Each team must design a contraption that will fire off a "robot arm" or, more specifically, a catapult, to send a Ping-Pong ball into a basket. Use this as an opportunity to...
Curated OER
Measuring for Chemistry: Moles, Compounds, and Conversions
Through a station rotation activity, scientists complete 9 chemistry activities to complete this interactive learning exercise. Concepts include molar masses, percent composition, accuracy vs. precision, mass of an object, scientific...
Curated OER
Hydrogen Peroxide Analysis
A scenario is presented for chemistry techs to address. Using titration techniques, they must analyze hydrogen peroxide solution samples. They evaluate accuracy and precision in the process. They also gain experience consulting the MSDS...
Curated OER
Gas Law Investigation
Investigators collect the carbon dioxide produced when an antacid tablet is activated and identify what alteration produced the most gas. They also collect the gas in a buret in order to practice precision. Then they choose between two...
Illustrative Mathematics
The Lighthouse Problem
Long considered the symbol of safe harbor and steadfast waiting, the lighthouse gets a mathematical treatment. The straightforward question of distance to the horizon is carefully presented, followed by a look into the different...
Curated OER
Scientific Data: It's Not as Pretty as It Looks!
The difference between accuracy and precision is fundamental for high school science learners. Using test kits for nitrate concentration in water, they compare readings with each other. They consider the accuracy, precision, and bias of...
Cornell University
Fibers, Dyes, and the Environment
Nanofibers can be made through electrospinning or force spinning in order to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Pupils study the role of fibers and dye on the environment through a series of five hands-on activities. Then,...
Curated OER
Precise Diode Circuits
In this electrical circuit instructional activity, students construct a model of a diode circuit to demonstrate understanding. They analyze schematics and answer a series of 13 open-ended questions about diode circuits. This...
Curated OER
Measurements and Their Uncertainty
In this measurements worksheet, students fill in 10 blanks, determine if statements are true or false, match 6 terms with the appropriate definitions, and solve 2 problems. Topics include converting to scientific notation, identifying...
Illustrative Mathematics
How Many Cells Are in the Human Body?
Investigating the large numbers of science is the task in a simple but deep activity. Given a one-sentence problem set-up and some basic assumptions, the class sets off on an open-ended investigation that really gives some context to all...
Curated OER
Unit 0 Review - Measurement Lab Equipment
Review questions like these can be used in your biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science classes! They assess scientists' understanding of laboratory measurement tools including graduated cylinders, thermometers, and balances. They...
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.
Space Awareness
Making A Sundial
Can people really measure time just by using the sun? Scholars venture outside on a nice, sunny day to build sundials and learn how people measured time 600 years ago. The class builds two different sundials while gaining practice with...
Royal Society of Chemistry
Significant Figures
Ready to add some innovation to your significant figures lesson? Pupils practice sig fig rules using a puzzle approach. Check out the Teacher's Area for printable materials, an answer key, and strategies for implementing the resource.
Las Cumbres Observatory
Calculating the Age of Solar System Objects
The number of craters on the surface of solar system objects has a direct correlation to its age. Learners use the concept to determine the age of several objects in the solar system. Using satellite images, they count craters within a...
Curated OER
What Can We Measure about Chemicals?
For this measuring chemicals worksheet, students determine the accuracy and precision of measurements and distinguish between the two. They find the percent composition of compounds, the molar mass of compounds and the volume of gases at...
Curated OER
What Can We Measure About Chemicals?
In this measurement worksheet, learners read about accuracy of measurements as compared to the precision of measurements. Students answer four precision problems and solve four accuracy problems.
Curated OER
Navigating by the Numbers
Students observe how math is important in navigation and engineering. They study how surveyors use math and science to calcute, count, measure, label, and indicate distances on a map. They estimate specific distances.
Curated OER
Microarrays: Chipping Away at the Mysteries of Science and Medicine
High schoolers research microarrays on the internet in cooperative groups. Students write an essay describing the use of microarrays in environmental research and in medicine.