Sources of Error

Sources of Error Worksheet (Grade 6 Science, TEKS 6.2B)

Teach grade 6 students why measurements are never perfect and what scientists do about it. This one-page reading and activity sheet sorts errors into three simple kinds and uses a lab notebook example with a paper helicopter.

What's Inside

• A short reading on error, source of error, and three kinds: tool, person, and conditions
• A lab notebook example that finds the source of error in one strange trial
• Activity 1: Students write T, P, or C next to six lab mistakes
• Activity 2: Students draw a line from four errors to the best way to fix each one
• A visual answer key with answers marked in red

How Teachers Use It

Use it before a lab, after students see messy data, or as practice for TEKS 6.2B. The sheet takes about 10 minutes and prints clearly in black and white.

This worksheet is part of the Reading in Science series for grade 6. It supports TEKS 6.2B: analyze data by identifying any significant descriptive statistical features, patterns, sources of error, or limitations. Pair it with the other 6.2B sheets to build a short unit on data analysis.

Why It Works

Each sheet teaches the key terms in plain words first, then asks students to use only what the page taught. Activities stay at the circle, sort, match, and fill-in level, so students build confidence while the answer key lets teachers check work fast. The clean layout is also easy to project for a whole-class review.