During the first four weeks of Term One, Craig Gilmore's Chemistry 4C class has been focussing on quantitative analysis, and on the identification and minimisation of any sources of error during experimental data collection.

In industry, having a degree of confidence in the accuracy of the data collected is very important if trends are to be identified, and claims about the purity and the effectiveness of chemicals as treatments and reagents are to be deemed as valid.

The students have looked at equipment selection, the minimisation of any random errors associated with measurement techniques, and how to incorporate into their calculations the percentage uncertainties associated with each piece of equipment that are inherent in every measurement made.  

They have used their understanding of precision, accuracy, and the appropriate selection of volumetric equipment to test the manufacturers’ claims that Brunnings Lawn Food contains 17.5% sulfur, and that Homebrand vinegar contains between 4-4.1% w/v ethanoic acid. The experimental skills, error identification, and analysis techniques will form an integral part of all of their practical investigations throughout the year and will allow them to have confidence in future data sets collected at a tertiary level, or as they move on to industry or research opportunities in any field of science.