ERIC Number: EJ1165835
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Jan
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1571-0068
EISSN: N/A
Learning about Measurement Uncertainties in Secondary Education: A Model of the Subject Matter
Priemer, Burkhard; Hellwig, Julia
International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, v16 n1 p45-68 Jan 2018
Estimating measurement uncertainties is important for experimental scientific work. However, this is very often neglected in school curricula and teaching practice, even though experimental work is seen as a fundamental part of teaching science. In order to call attention to the relevance of measurement uncertainties, we developed a comprehensive model that structures and describes all subject matter on measurement uncertainties relevant to secondary education (age 13-19 years). It consists of ten basic "concepts" categorized within the following four "dimensions": (a) existence of uncertainties, (b) handling of uncertainties, (c) assessment of uncertainties, and (d) conclusiveness of uncertainties. The model was developed by reviewing the subject literature, constructing a model for university level, validating this model with 6 experts in metrology (the science of measurement), adapting the model to the target group, and validating the simplified model with 108 science teachers. We present the model and its development by describing the dimensions and concepts and by giving examples. Thus, our work provides a base for developing and assessing instructions to teach the estimation of measurement uncertainties in secondary education.
Descriptors: Measurement, Error of Measurement, Secondary School Students, Models, Secondary School Science, Teaching Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A