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+===== Uncertainty in Measurement =====
+There is little that can be scientifically investigated without taking
+measurements. By taking and analyzing data, we can develop models that
+inform us of how the world works. However, to be able to analyze data
+effectively, critical decisions need to be made regarding how the data
+are being taken in order to determine its validity.
+This uncertainty is not a fault of experimental science, and does not
+give credence to "theory being more perfect than experiment." The idea
+of uncertainty is found in every aspect of science -- in experiment we
+call it *error* or *uncertainty*, in theory we are limited by the
+*assumptions* made, and in engineering we define our products to be
+within a *tolerance.* In all instances, these forms of uncertainty
+describe how *confident* the scientist is in their measurement -- it
+defines the range of values within which they are *sure* the reported
+value falls.
+Defining uncertainty is a skill that is developed over time and, like
+any other skill, takes practice. As it is a major tool used in nearly
+every aspect of science, it has become a major learning goal of DATA
+Lab, both this semester and next (should you take PHY 252).
+In this workshop, you are tasked with taking a series of measurements.
+Your data will be pooled with the rest of the class -- affording us a
+backdrop against which to discuss measurements and uncertainty. The
+discussions with the larger group will help inform your decisions in
+experiments as well as help you develop a deeper understanding of what
+uncertainty means and how it is used in science. Afterwards, you and
+your group will be presented with a final measurement that you will
+record and assign uncertainty to. By using the information in class, you
+will justify your experimental decisions and value reported.
+==== Research Concepts ====
+In order to be productive in class, it would be helpful to research
+before class:
+  * What reported data means
+  * Why uncertainty is assigned to measured data
+  * How the assigned uncertainty reflects the confidence of the reported value
+  * The difference between random and systematic uncertainty
+  * How to calculate the mean of data set
+==== Measurements and Uncertainty ====
+**Part 1 -- Measurements**
+There are five measurements you are tasked with taking: the length of a
+metal block, the diameter of a bouncy ball, the length of a string, the
+mass of a weight, and the angle of a board. After you take these
+measurements, record the values you obtained on the white boards
+provided. It may be helpful to consider and document in your notebook
+  * How was each measurement taken?
+  * Were there any complications that arose while taking your measurements?
+  * Did the way you took your measurement affect the value you obtained?
+**Part 2 -- Discussion of Uncertainty**
+Scientists will include values of uncertainty when they report data.
+Your group will be assigned one of the sets of measurement data to
+discuss. In this discussion, consider:
+  * What do the reported values mean?
+  * How difficult was the measurement to make? Why?
+  * What does the amount of variability tell you about the uncertainty in the measurement?
+  * Are there other things the variations tell you?
+  * Can you assign a quantitative value for the uncertainty of this set of data?
+You will then report your group's discussion to the class.
+**Part 3 -- Obtaining and Reporting Data**
+Your group will be tasked with taking one additional measurement. The
+experimental decisions your group makes will affect the value and
+uncertainty of your measurement. Document these decisions and determine
+a value for the measurement and its uncertainty. Justify your values
+based on the decisions you made and the discussions held in class.
+At the end of the day, you will each turn in your notebook. While your
+entire entry will be evaluated, in order to narrow our scope feedback
+and assessment will primarily focus on what you submit for **Part 3**,
+especially
+  * The value reported and the uncertainty assigned.
+  * How you documented your measurement and the experimental decisions you made.
+  * Justification for your assigned value and uncertainty and how it related to the discussions held in class.