1/19/2024 0 Comments Lego mystery boxĮxploration of the mystery boxes can be done in a more detailed way by using a strong neodymium magnet as a probe. Indirect observation plus inference: palaeontologists use observations of dinosaurs’ anatomy and their digestive tracts to infer what those specific dinosaurs ate.From their direct observations, they can infer what the entire species is eating. Direct observation plus inference: scientists observe what a newly discovered animal is eating.In the end, scientists interpret their observations based on the relevant theoretical models to infer a scientific claim. With indirect observations, we only observe the results of the phenomenon, for example, we only hear the ball hitting the walls of the mystery box but cannot see the walls directly. Alternatively, indirect observations may be made. Scientists may make direct observations with their senses or measuring instruments. Observations of natural phenomena are the basis of scientific claims. Infer a model of the inner structure based on observations and draw the model on a mini whiteboard. Discuss possible internal structures and differences between observations and the four theoretical models that were provided.For example, examine the mystery box by turning the box around and listening to the ball as it rolls around inside, hitting the walls of the internal structure. Perform the experiments proposed in Activity 1.LEGO mystery box with a hidden inner structure and a marble inside.In this activity, students put their ideas from Activity 1 into practice and try to identify the structure of the mystery box. For example, the theoretical prediction of the Higgs boson in 1964 guided the development of experiments that discovered the Higgs boson in 2012 – 48 years later! However, in the past, scientific research often stemmed from direct observations.Īctivity 2: Infer a model from indirect observations In particular, modern research investigations rarely begin with a neutral observation of a phenomenon. Scientific research is most often guided by theoretical models. Discuss the limitations of the proposed experiments for example, the fourth model in figure 3 contains an empty square in the corner, which cannot be observed using the ball.Discuss the outcomes of the proposed experiments for example, if the second model is correct, what will be the outcome of the proposed experiment?.Devise experiments to test each theoretical model.Examine the theoretical models shown in Worksheet 1.Worksheet 1, showing the theoretical models (also shown in figure 3).The teacher introduces the mystery-box activity to the students by explaining how the observation will take place. Activity 1: Discuss theoretical modelsĪt the beginning of the activity, the students are split into groups of 3–4. If students cannot resist the temptation, glue the box together (that’s what we did). Important note: While it is tempting, NEVER open the mystery box, as that is not how science works. This reduces bias and enhances the experience of scientific exploration. The mystery boxes could also be built by a colleague and not the teacher directly. You can find out more about different mystery boxes on the S’Cool LAB website. Mystery boxes come in various shapes and sizes, from closed boxes with simple everyday objects to water-based mystery boxes with systems of water tanks. Mystery-box activities are a powerful educational tool for teaching nature-of-science concepts. scientific explorations are guided by scientific theories.This activity teaches students the following: Research shows that different aspects of the nature of science are important for high-school students and should be taught explicitly. As such, understanding the nature of science is considered to be the core of scientific literacy. The nature of science describes the values and underlying assumptions that are intrinsic to scientific knowledge. How do we make informed decisions based on scientific evidence? Learning about the nature of science can help us with that challenge. Thinking outside the box: explore the nature of science by building LEGO mystery boxes and challenging your students to solve the puzzle. Author(s): Anja Kranjc Horvat, Margherita Boselli, Panagiota Chatzidaki, Merten Nikolay Dahlkemper, Ruadh Duggan, Guillaume Durey, Niklas Herff, Daniele Molaro, Gernot Werner Scheerer, Sascha Schmeling, Patrick Georges Thill, Jeff Wiener, Julia Woithe, Sarah Zoechling
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