C-MORE Science Kits

Random Sampling

(Grades 6-12 for Lessons 1, 2; Grades 9-12 for Lesson 3)

Random Sampling Kit image

This three-lesson kit introduces random sampling, one of the key concepts employed by scientists to study the natural environment, including microbial communities. In Lesson 1, students study the abundance and diversity of marine microbes, represented by colored beads in a bag. Working in groups, students randomly select samples of “microbes” from the “ocean” and compare their samples to the entire population. In Lesson 2, students enter and graph their data using Microsoft EXCEL. In Lesson 3, students use statistics to assess how well their samples represent the total population. Computers (not provided) are required for Lesson 2 and may be optionally used for Lesson 3. If computers are not available, Lesson 2 may be omitted, and Lesson 3 can directly follow Lesson 1. Each of the three lessons requires approximately 40 minutes.

For more information about this C-MORE science kit, please download the complete lesson materials (660K PDF).

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