Lesson Focus

This lesson demonstrates the difference between precision and accuracy. Students design a device that can shoot a basketball free-throw shot accurately every time.

Download:

Full Lesson Plan
Student Worksheets

Translated Lessons:

Age Levels:

10 – 18

Objectives

  • Explore precision and accuracy.
  • Design & build a device that can throw a free-throw shot accurately.
  • Implement the engineering design process to solve the design challenge.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes

As a result of this activity, students will have:

  • Explored precision and accuracy.
  • Designed & built a device that can throw a free-throw shot accurately.
  • Implemented the engineering design process to solve the design challenge.

Lesson Activities

The teacher will lead a class discussion about basketball and the different kinds of shots basketball players perform. A student will demonstrate how they throw a free-throw shot in basketball. The teacher will introduce the design challenge and will discuss the difference between accuracy and precision. Each team will design & build a “robotic” basketball player that can shoot 3 free-throw shots successfully every time. During final testing and team share out, the class will keep track each team’s percentage of accuracy and precision.

Resources/Materials

  • Teacher Resource Documents (attached)
  • Student Resource Sheet (attached)
  • Student Worksheets (attached)

Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks

Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.