Measurement uncertainty is a common learning goal in physics lab courses, especially at the introductory level. It acts as a fundamental aspect of many important laboratory skills, including designing and making measurements, analyzing and visualizing data, and experimental modeling.
To study learning about measurement uncertainty, we have used the Physics Measurement Questionnaire (PMQ), an established research-based assessment instrument. We are also developing a new such instrument for measuring learning about measurement uncertainty, the Survey of Physics Reasoning on Uncertainty Concepts in Experiments (SPRUCE).
The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. PFCs also include creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, and outreach to the scientific community and general public.