Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Measurements and Uncertainty Virtual Lab

Take a scientific approach to the classic task of guessing how many candies are in a jar. Rather than random guesses, utilize good experimental design to select the correct measurement tools, continually refine the approach, and account for uncertainty in the data.

Try for FreeTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

High School

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1000s of amazing schools and universities
Learn more
Blue Arrow Right
 
Measurements and Uncertainty

About this Simulation

Now more than ever, it’s important for scientists to understand how much they can trust their results, when to disregard or accept them, and how to improve their reliability. In this simulation, you’ll learn how to select the right tool for carrying out an experiment and how to refine an experimental methodology to reduce its inherent uncertainty.

How Many Candies in the Jar:

In this simulation, you will  start by coming up with a guess including an uncertainty range. Through making this guess, you’ll gain an appreciation of the difficulties scientists face in the real world, and the errors associated with their experiments.

Measurements and Readings: 

Tools that produce measurements must be calibrated first, while tools that produce readings are assumed to be already calibrated. Students will learn about these differences and classify various experimental tools during this mission.

Refining the experimental methodology: 

Choose between two different approaches to scientifically guess how many candies are inside the jar. In each of the methods, you’ll address the potential errors and uncertainty that may occur in your approach.

Deciding on the correct figure: 

After you refine your experimental methodology and account for all the uncertainty you think you’ve uncovered, you’ll perform some calculations to decide on the number of candies that are in the jar. After the big reveal, you’ll find out how close you are.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Differentiate between instruments that give a reading and a measurement

  • Select an instrument of appropriate resolution to perform a measurement

  • Refine an experimental methodology to reduce its inherent uncertainty

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Measurements and readings
  • Calibration of tools
  • Uncertainty calculations

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with embedded quiz questions

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Measurements and Uncertainty" simulation?
What is the simulated Physics scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Physics labs does Labster offer?