1.) Describe the proper way to use a meter stick and why this technique is necessary (include an explanation of uncertainty).

2.) What is the difference between percent error and standard error?

3 answers

1) There are some useful tips at
http://www.ehow.com/how_5531166_use-meter-stick-properly.html

2) Relative error is the absolute error, divided by the correct value.

I do not know what you mean by "standard error"
For a definition of standard error, see
http://davidmlane.com/hyperstat/A103397.html
It is the random variation (standard deviation) in a series of measurements of the same thing, and is a measure of the typical absolute error in a measurement.
What is the propper handling of a meterstick?