Mystery Box Lab

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Purpose

To learn to make accurate, unbiased observations and inferences.

Materials

• mystery box
• paper
• pen or pencil

Introduction

One of the most powerful skills of scientists is their ability to make accurate, concise observations. To do this well, they must use all of their senses. This activity helps you practice your observation skills and demonstrates the limits of observations.

Directions

Follow each step carefully and use complete sentences to answer the questions. Do not attempt to open, write on or otherwise destroy the boxes.

Key Words/Concepts

• Observation: information gathered through the senses. An observation is typified by statements like the following: I saw.... I heard.... It tasted....
• Inference: an interpretation or conclusion derived from observation, fact, prior knowledge and/or other premises. An inference is typified by statements like: I think..I believe..
• Bias: a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment
• Preconceive (as in preconceived notions): to form (as in opinion) prior to actual knowledge or experience.
• Assume: to take as granted or true.
• A scientific question: a good scientific question should be specific and you must be able to answer it using the tools available to you.

Procedure

1. Examine the mystery box.
   1. Write down a question that will attempt to answer:
      • The total number of objects in the box
      • The shape of each object
      • The size of each object
      • The weight of each object
      • The composition of each object
2. Examine the box for clues that help to answer the question you wrote. These clues or observations must be things you can see, feel, hear, smell or taste. A good observation must contain no opinions, and must have no biases or preconceived notions.
   1. Write down at least ten observations about the mystery box.
   2. Write down at least five inferences based on your observations.
3. Using only your observations, make an educated guess (hypothesis) about the answer to the question you wrote. Your hypothesis must answer exactly what the question asks.
   1. Write down your hypothesis.
   2. Is your hypothesis fact? Why or why not?
   3. State two things you assumed when you made your hypothesis.