Sterling's project is designed to help teachers instruct students on using measuring devices accurately and precisely, reporting and recording data appropriately, and manipulating data according to national and international standard practices.
Adults commit the same errors students often make.
Instructors attend a one-day training session during which they go through the experiments themselves. A follow-up day will be held in the fall so teachers can share samples of student work. The project is part of a partnership with the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition, George Mason, the College of William and Mary, James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Virginia. Local participating public school districts include Alexandria, Arlington, and Falls Church.