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Modifying Cookbook Labs: A different way of teaching a standard laboratory engages students and promotes understanding

The Science Teacher – October 2000

In this article, an extended lab activity from a common cookbook approach is modified to determine the percent mass of water in copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate crystals. This modified approach significantly enhances students' understanding of matter, the properties of matter, the nature of science, and inquiry. It's not necessary for teachers to create new curriculum or change everything they do—modifying cookbook labs to mentally engage students is effective.
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