Document Type
Presentation - Poster - Display Only
Lab to Study Random and Systematic Error with Glucometers
Department
Physics & Engineering
Date of Activity
Summer 2023
Abstract
We have developed a lab activity that uses over-the-counter blood glucometers to study random error and systematic error, to build a stronger intuition for basic statistical tools such as the standard deviation and the standard deviation of the mean. Using glucometers rather than rulers to introduce uncertainty has two advantages: students learn that digital instruments have uncertainty, and the use of a common medical device gives the lab a dose of realism that appeals to many of our students whose interests are in the life sciences. In this talk, we will describe the activity, our experience teaching the lab in different contexts, and our experience with sharing our resources for the first time to the Living Physics Portal.
Recommended Citation
Reid Mumford, W. Blake Laing, Lab to Study Random and Systematic Error with Glucometers American Association of Physics Teachers 2023 Summer Meeting