Describes a measurement lab that introduces measurement and presents a simple example of how to use error analysis with an obvious illustration of its value. The experiment measures the diameters of pinhole images of the sun and uses them to calculate the heights of the leafy canopy that created the images. (JRH)

Presents an exercise that gives students a real feeling for experimental errors and demonstrates the importance of frequent repetition and averaging. (JRH)

Discussed are problems encountered when a gas absorption experiment with strong measurement error is used. Notes students either avoid the experiment or report it as defective. Provides ideas to make lab experiments more instructive. (MVL)

Describes two simple methods of error analysis: (1) combining errors in the measured quantities; and (2) calculating the error or uncertainty in the slope of a straight-line graph. Discusses significance of the error in the comparison of experimental results with some known value. (MDH)