Scientists usually feel they are always working with a "mystery box" because many times their investigations do not allow them to directly observe an object, event, or process. For example, scientists are only now beginning to be able to observe molecules and atoms with new and different kinds of microscope technologies.

• Have you ever tried to guess what is in a gift package before you opened it?
• If you have spent the day inside school and then went outside what evidence might you use to infer that it might have rained?
• What evidence might you have used to infer that it was raining while you were inside a school room with no windows?
• Can you think of some other experiences in which you have made inferences? Share them with your classmates.

Scientists have many strategies which allow them to infer or make tentative conclusions based on their indirect observations. Scientists usually rely on past experiences to help them make inferences. Many times scientists share information or work in groups to help support their conclusions.

1. You have been given a mystery box. DO NOT OPEN THE MYSTERY BOX! Using the mystery box develop and share with your friends inferences about what might be in the mystery box. In the space below record your senses (sound, "touch or feeling" used, what you learned using that sense (number of objects, size, mass, properties, etc.), and your inferences about what the objects might be.

In the table below write a summary of what you believe is in the box and reasons that support your conclusions. Objects Supporting Reasons

PDF format of "Mystery Boxes"
download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader-->>