Name______
“Black Box” Lab Activity
Lab Chemistry, Mr. English
In chemistry jargon, a “black box” is any system which is not well understood, because it can’t be easily seen. In other words- a mystery. In this activity, you will use the scientific method to determine the shape of objects contained inside of sealed, wrapped containers. You may handle the containers, shake them (gently) or use other senses to determine their contents, however you may NOT open the wrapping paper or peek inside.
Record your observations and conclusions in the chart below. Record at least THREE separate observations about each container. Observations must be written in complete sentences. Measuring sticks and balances will be available to make more precise observations. Keep observations separate from conclusions. That is, don’t write “sounds like a marble”. Instead, detail the specific observations which lead you to that conclusions. Be very specific in your conclusions. Don’t just write “a spherical object”. Tell how large, how many, what material the object is made from, and any other information you can conclude.
Write your observations in your science notebook, indicating which numbered container you’ve examined as well as your observations on the right, then your carefully worded conclusions on the left.
Name______
Black Box typed report
Written report:
Choose any four of the packages you investigated to present in a typed report. Tell which package number you’re describing. For full credit, your typed report must follow the same guidelines explained on the title page of this activity.
For each package you must:
Record at least THREE separate, specific and detailed observations. Observations must be written in complete sentences.
Keep observations separate from conclusions.
Be very specific in your conclusions.
Then, on the same typed page, answer the following questions in full sentences.
1. List the four primary activities which are part of the scientific method (according to your textbook and classnotes):
2. Explain how you engaged in each of these activities during the “black box” activity.
3. What additional experiments could you do to confirm your conclusions (still without unwrapping the packages.)