Accuracy versus Precision
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can differentiate between accuracy and precision when making measurements in a chemistry lab.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Professor Dave Explains · 6:06Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by Professor Dave Explains on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the true value, while precision refers to how close a set of measurements are to each other.
- 2
A data set can be accurate but imprecise due to human error, or inaccurate but precise due to faulty calibration of an instrument.
- 3
When taking measurements, always estimate one digit beyond the scale that is reported on the measuring instrument; however, counting numbers and defined values have infinite precision.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
3 questions
Explain the difference between accuracy and precision in the context of measurements.
A student measures the boiling point of water three times and obtains the following values: 98.8 °C, 99.1 °C, and 98.9 °C. The actual boiling point of water is 100 °C. Describe the accuracy and precision of the student's measurements.
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain the difference between accuracy and precision in the context of making measurements in a chemistry lab. Provide an example of a situation where measurements are precise but not accurate.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson
