Improving measurement accuracy during science experiments with fourth grade students

Abstract

This action research study measured fourth grade students' length measurement accuracy on performance assessments and science experiments before and after treatment. The purpose of the treatment was to determine whether meaningful practice would improve students' accuracy. Students' measurement accuracy on science experiments and performance tasks was recorded along with observations, interviews, and surveys. To determine which system they were most accurate in, students measured in both the English and metric systems. The results suggest that with practice students can make notable gains and record fewer unreasonable answers.