Learning About Precision and Accuracy

Students learn what a salt marsh entails and make a model of a salt marsh. They use their model to start a discussion to answer questions about a salt marsh. All aspects of this activity a... See More

Students learn what a salt marsh entails and make a model of a salt marsh. They use their model to start a discussion to answer questions about a salt marsh. All aspects of this activity are provided as well as assessment and modifications for this activity. The second activity in this article targets the concept of the difference between accuracy and precision. This along is a good activity to use early in the year to have students understand and apply use of these terms. Both activities in this article are good and certainly doable in a middle school environment.

Helpful Resource to Teach Accuracy & Precision

I used this resource in a unit that focused on skills scientists use - including making models, and mathematical skills. The lab was helpful for teaching accuracy and precision. In order t... See More

I used this resource in a unit that focused on skills scientists use - including making models, and mathematical skills. The lab was helpful for teaching accuracy and precision. In order to show students how data varies, I had them measure to the nearest tenth of a centimeter rather than the nearest centimeter.