Help students understand accuracy and error

By Catherine Smith2018-06-14T06:30:00

Four arrows embedded in an archery target

Source: Jaghir Singh / Shutterstock.com

Embed use of the right key terms in practical work from an early age

As the exam season draws to a close, now is an excellent time to review schemes of learning to ensure the correct uses of terms, like accuracy, precision and error in measurement, are embedded into practical work from an early age. Catherine Smith suggests activities that help students consider the right equipment for taking a measurement, get them practicing calculating quantitative accuracy and probe understanding of systematic errors.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.