Name_________________________________________ Period_________ Date___________
Accuracy vs. Precision Lab
Prelab Review:
1. Accuracy is: ___________________________________________________________________________
2. Precision is:___________________________________________________________________________
Please label the following targets as to whether they show: Accuracy, Precision, Both, or Neither.
● Put a check mark for yes, and an X for no.
_____Precision _____Precision _____Precision _____Precision
_____Accuracy _____Accuracy _____Accuracy _____Accuracy
3. A person was at target practice for their archery team. After 4 shots at the target, their score was as
follows: 7, 7, 7, 8. The goal was to shoot exactly a 7.75 average score.
a. Determine if this person’s pattern was:
i. Accurate, but not precise iii. precise , but not accurate
ii. Not accurate and not precise iv. Accurate and precise
b. Explain your choice: ______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Lab Overview:
In this lab you will measure how accurate and precise you can be when dropping a marker at a target. The goal is to get an average of 9.50
score. Each person in the group will record their data for 4 marker drops, then you will calculate each trial's average, % error, accuracy and
precision. Lastly, you will write a CER explaining which person was the most accurate and which person was the most precise.
Materials - per Group of 4
1- dry erase marker
1 - meter stick
1 - target
Procedure:
1. Place the target on the floor.
2. One group member will hold the meter stick vertically while another group member gets ready to drop the dry erase
marker on the target. You will drop the marker from exactly 1 meter high each time. * Note - do not put your meter
stick on the target - put it next to the target. The dry erase marker should not touch the meter stick.
3. Drop the dry erase marker 4 times and record your data in the data table. Erase your marks from the target.
4. Each group member will complete step 4.
5. Clean-Up: Remove all marks from the target. Return the materials to the appropriate spot in the classroom.
Data Table 1: Drops on Target * Note: Complete the calculations before filling in this section
Group Drop 1 Drop 2 Drop 3 Drop 4 Average % Error Accuracy / Precision
Member (Mean)
Name
Calculations:
1. Calculate the average (mean score) for each trial then record the average in the data table. Show all work:
a. Person 1: ________________________________________________________________________
b. Person 2: ________________________________________________________________________
c. Person 3:________________________________________________________________________
d. Person 4: ________________________________________________________________________
2. Determine percent error for each trial. Use the formula: Goal Score - Average (Mean) Score
------------------------------------------------------------------ X 100 %
Goal Score is: ______________ Goal Score
Reminder: Show all work on your problems!
Person 1___________ Person 2___________ Person 3__________ Person 4__________
3. Determine Accuracy and Precision
a. For each group member, please write into the data table either:
i. Accurate, but not precise iii. Precise , but not accurate
ii. Not accurate and not precise iv. Accurate and precise
4. Conclusion CER: Remember CER’s must be a MINIMUM of 3 sentences (Claim, Evidence (scientific) Reasoning)
a. On your own paper please write a CER that discusses the following question:
i. Which person’s score was the most accurate and which person's score was the
most precise?
Teacher Instructions
Materials needed for groups of 4:
● 1 meter stick
● I target
● 1 dry erase marker
● 4 Clipboards (for students to use so they can more easily write on their lab sheet) OPTIONAL
I print the targets in color and write a 10 on the red bullseye using a sharpie marker. I then place the
targets in a sheet protector or have them laminated so students can remove the dry erase marker
marks.
Note:
This lab activity does ruin the dry erase markers because the tip gets pushed into the plastic casing
when it is repeatedly dropped. The dry erase markers do last longer on a carpeted floor than on a tile or
concrete floor.
I have also used 4 different crayola marker colors per group on paper targets (without a sheet
protector or lamination) and just provided a new paper target for each group. The crayola marker tips
get a bit squished, but the marker is still usable after the lab. This requires more paper and ink to print
multiple targets, but saves on markers.
I have also had students drop pennies onto the target. This method works, but since the penny does not
leave a mark, students have a more difficult time determining where it landed on the target (the
pennies bounce). The pennies also frequently bounce off the target which some students find
frustrating.