The cube and the scientific method
(Adapted from “Teaching about evolution and the nature of science” from the National Academy of Sciences 1998 pamphlet)
Learning Objectives:
 Use the scientific method to deduct what is on the bottom of the cube
 Learn how to use logic and ask questions to discover an unknown
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Part 1: A simple cube

Watch the VIDEO CUBE 1 showing Black and white cube with numbers (“5” should be on
the top)
List questions that you can ask about the cube (i.e. how many sides?):
Your Hypothesis about exactly what the bottom of the cube looks like (be sure to be specific):
Evidence for your answer (i.e. observations):
Conclusion (What do you think is on the bottom of the cube? Why?):
Part 2: Further investigation of a cube
Materials – work in groups of 4


Watch the VIDEO CUBE 2 VIDEO 1 showing Cube with names and numbers (“Frank” should be
on the top)
Later watch the VIDEO CUBE 2 VIDEO 2 showing Instructor as a tool of technology
The problem: What is on the bottom of the cube?
Observations about this cube:
Hypothesis of the meaning of the number in the upper right corner?
Hypothesis of the meaning of the number in the lower left corner?
Hypothesis or prediction for what is on the bottom of the cube:
***NOW WATCH Cube 2 Video 2***
Which corner did you look at and what number did you see?
List the possibilities for what appears on the bottom of the cube – be specific:
How would you design an experiment to test your hypothesis of the name (you still cannot pick up the
cube)
Part 3: Evaluation
In this part you will design a cube that will be used to evaluate your understanding of the scientific
method. Another group in the class should be able to answer the same question about what is on the
bottom of the cube and just like in the first parts they cannot touch or lift up the cube. Feel free to
design it flat – it can be evaluated without making it 3D.
1. Design your cube – and place your name on it & list the rules/facts that you used to create this
cube below or on the next page.
List the Rules for the Cube
(be sure to fill out all sides and
indicate which side is the one that
people must guess)
Questions for later:
1. List and explain the ways that the scientific method was used during this lab.
What are some important aspects of science that you did not encounter during this lab