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Learners manipulate opaque, sealed boxes and attempt to determine their interior structures. Each box contains a moving ball and one or more fixed barriers. Use this activity to introduce students to the scientific process--scientists make observations and collect evidence, scientists interpret evidence, scientists must work together to gain consensus about interpretations. This activity has been adapted for grades 3-5 from the ENSI lesson, Mystery Boxes: Uncertainty & Collaboration.
- 45 to 60 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 11
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Each "Mystery Box" is a rigid, permanently sealed, opaque, rectangular box with one or two glued-in partitions, ramps, etc., and a rolling sphere (e.g. a marble or steel ball).
- Paper and pencils to draw guesses of interior of boxes
Subjects
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- The Scientific Worldview
- About Inquiry
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
- Science as a Career
-
The Scientific Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- hear
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
- Related Lesson--Mystery Boxes: Uncertainty & Collaboration
- Printout for Mystery Boxes: Uncertainty & Collaboration
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Janulaw, Sharon
Rights:
- All rights reserved, The University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley, and The Regents of the University of California, 2010
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation, EAR-0624436