What’s in the Bag?
_______________
Name
Scientists have ways of determining the properties and structure of
particles they cannot see directly, such as atoms. In this activity, you will
try to determine the identity of an object that you cannot see.
Do not skip ahead or peek inside of your bag. Don’t blurt out your
hypotheses; you might give someone else a clue. Follow the teacher’s
instructions carefully.
Steps to Take
Only do each step when
instructed to do so.
Look at the bag. Don’t touch
it… Stop thinking about
touching the bag.
Pick up the bag only. Nothing
else!
Hypothesis
The bag contains:
Gently turn the bag from side to
side so the object slides across
the bottom. No shaking!
Shake the bag. Don’t squish the
object.
Gently squish the bag around
the object.
WITHOUT LOOKING, reach
your hand inside the bag and
touch/hold the object.
Look at the object to identify it.
1. What were some of the challenges in identifying the object?
2. How was the process of identifying your object similar to the
development of the atomic theory?