PURPOSE: To simulate a situation where observation skills are indispensable.

MATERIALS NEEDED: Peanuts, container for peanuts, balance, rulers, and string (for circumference.)

PROCEDURE:

1. Obtain a container of peanuts.
2. Choose one peanut from the container.
3. Make observations of this peanut and write them down on the back of this sheet.

• this may include:

• mass
• length and width
• circumference DO NOT MAKE ANY MARKS ON THE PEANUT!
• coloration
• markings
• shape

1. Sketch your peanut here:
2. Return your peanut to the bowl and mix it up with the others.
3. Dump all of the peanuts out and attempt to locate your peanut.

CONCLUSION QUESTIONS:

1. Were there any inferences made in your observations? If so write them here:

 

 

 

 

2. What were the different characteristics that were used to identify your peanut?

 

 

 

3. How valuable were your notes and observations?

 

 

 

4. Mix up the peanuts again. Now, exchange lists of observations with your partner. Can your partner find your peanut? Can you find theirs?

 

 

 

 

5. Was it more difficult for you to find your partners, or for your partner to find yours? What made this more difficult? What made it easier?