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Football Accuracy Mark as Favorite (18 Favorites)
ACTIVITY in Accuracy. Last updated January 29, 2024.
Summary
In this activity, students will analyze data collected from a football tryout. Using their knowledge of the terms accuracy and precision, students will interpret the data, and apply their understanding to several questions.
Grade Level
High School
NGSS Alignment
This activity will help prepare your students to meet the performance expectations in the following standards:
- Scientific and Engineering Practices:
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Objectives
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- Differentiate between the meaning of accuracy and precision.
- Analyze data and determine if results are accurate and/or precise.
Chemistry Topics
This activity supports students’ understanding of:
- Accuracy
- Precision
- Data Analysis
Time
Teacher Preparation: minimal
Lesson: 10 – 15 minutes
Materials
- Student Handout
Safety
- No specific safety precautions need to be observed for this activity.
Teacher Notes
- This short activity can be used with students to help them better understand the meaning of accuracy and precision as it applies to data.
- Teachers may consider using this activity as a “Bell-Ringer” or “Warm-Up” exercise at the beginning of a class period.
- An Answer Key document has been provided for teacher reference.
For the Student
The local football team is in need of a new Quarterback. Five potential replacements attended the open tryouts to see if they had what it takes to make the team!
Part of the tryout session required each athlete to throw the football to the 60-yard line. They each had the opportunity to throw the ball five consecutive times, and their yardage was recorded for each throw.
The following data was collected by the offensive coordinator:
| Player’s Name | Throw Attempt #1 | Throw Attempt #2 | Throw Attempt #3 | Throw Attempt #4 | Throw Attempt #5 |
| Tyler | 50 yards | 52 yards | 75 yards | 65 yards | 66 yards |
| Josh | 61 yards | 60 yards | 59 yards | 61 yards | 60 yards |
| Devin | 65 yards | 72 yards | 84 yards | 37 yards | 46 yards |
| Spencer | 51 yards | 50 yards | 51 yards | 52 yards | 51 yards |
| Andre | 70 yards | 70 yards | 50 yards | 55 yards | 60 yards |
Analysis Questions
- Explain the meaning of Accuracy:
- Explain the meaning of Precision:
- Use the terms accurate and precise to describe Spencer’s results:
- Which player(s) seem to be neither accurate nor precise during their tryout?
- Use the terms accurate and precise to describe Josh’s results:
- What do you think is more important, accuracy or precision?