Thinking Inside the Box

By Christopher T. Bailey

Abstract

In this particular take on the classic “Black Box Experiment,” students working in groups are given sealed boxes containing objects that they must make indirect observations about and then report their observations to the class in a simulated conference setting. An effective lead-in exercise to a discussion of the scientific method, it can also be used in a general chemistry course to teach students about atomic structure and how experimental evidence can be used to infer structure.

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Date Posted

11/15/2002

Overview

Objectives

Practice making indirect observations.
Report observations in a mock conference setting.
Conduct a peer review of research proposals.
Learn about atomic structure and how experimental evidence can be used to infer structure.

Keywords

Experimental evidence; indirect observations; atomic structure

Subject Headings

Chemistry (General)

Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific method

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted, Role-Play, Student Presentations

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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