PASCO ME-9849 Significant Figures Set - Manual (Page 4)

Significant Figures Set Introduction
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Introduction
The Significant Figures Set includes a series of activities designed to engage students in the
concepts of accuracy and precision. These topics, often neglected or truncated in most curricula,
are essential in understanding the basics of scientific measurement. The accuracy of a
measurement refers to the "closeness" of a numerical value to the actual or accepted value. The
precision refers to the repeatability of a measurement. The two factors that determine the
precision are the measuring instrument and the “measurer,” the person making the measurement.
The Significant Figures Set includes a laminated number line and four data pointers for classroom
comparisons of measurements. Four bright plastic balls, one hundred sheets of carbon paper and
eight paper bull’s eyes are provided for the engaging initial activity. In addition, four four-sided
meter sticks, four meter stick labels and two sets of balance labels are included for the discovery
of precision and accuracy in scientific measurements. One sheet of balance labels is marked 0 and
10, and the other is marked with 10 equal divisions.
Instructional Goals:
1. Identify precision as the repeatability of measurements.
2. Identify accuracy as the "closeness" of measurements to an accepted value.
3. Identify how an instrument determines the precision of a measurement.
4. Identify how technique determines the precision of a measurement.
5. Make calculations that reflect the precision of each measuring instrument.
Note: In order for the collected data to vary in some degree, it is assumed that groups will collect
data independently from each other.
Additional Equipment Required Model Number
Sample objects: rock, wooden block, shoebox etc.
(see activities)
Triple-beam Balance SE-8723 or SE-8707
Graduated cylinders of varying volume
Food coloring
Large beaker
Tape