The Orbit of Planet Gamma

Lesson Focus - Random error and systematic error

Lesson Synopsis - The Orbit of Planet Gamma is a fun, hands-on classroom activity that leads students to discover the nature of systematic and random errors that are present in all physical measurements. Students are divided into teams of competing ?scientists? that are out to capture the prize of recognition as the ?most accurate and advanced researchers in the world.? All the teams are given the same data and discover interesting variations in the results produced by the competing teams.

Age Levels - 10-14

Objectives
Learn basic principles of random error and systematic error.
Increase understanding of metric system units.
Solve simple algebraic manipulations involving squares and square roots.
Learn to present data graphically.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes - As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
random error and systematic error
metric system units
squares and square roots
properties of the ellipse
graphical presentations of data

Planet Gamma: Introduction (full teacher resource documents are included in PDF)

The Planet Gamma activity works well both as an introduction for students that have no prior knowledge about random and systematic error, or as reinforcement for students who have been taught the subject. The concepts are applicable to the physical and biological sciences and mathematics teachers will find the activity handy for demonstrating applications involving squares, square roots, and the properties of the ellipse for students who have been taught these concepts. Students are divided into teams of competing ?scientists? that are out to capture the prize of recognition as the ?most accurate and advanced researchers in the world.? All the teams are given the same data and discover interesting variations in the results produced by the competing teams.

Lesson Activities
The orbit of "Planet Gamma" is examined by teams of students who measure the dimensions of the major axis and the minor axis. Students record the results to the nearest whole millimeter on a data sheet and calculate the eccentricity according to a provided formula. Because three different rulers will be used, students explore systematic error.

Resources/Materials
Teacher Resource Documents (included in PDF)
Student Materials (included in PDF)
Graph Paper Program (click here to download)
Optional Excel Program (click here to download gamma.xls)

Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks
Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.

Internet Connections
Extra-solar Planets Catalog
IEEE Teacher In-Service Program
IEEE Virtual Museum
McREL Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks - a compilation of content
standards for K-12 curriculum in both searchable and browsable formats.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Principals and Standards
for School Mathematics
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Information about measurements and measurement uncertainty.
National Science Education Standards

Recommended Reading
NIST Special Publication 672, Experimentation and Measurement by W. J. Youden

References
Ralph D. Painter, and other volunteers from
Florida West Coast USA Section of IEEE
URL: http://ewh.ieee.org/r3/floridawc