Graphing The Unknown

Today we graphed the data of three unknowns that were in boxes there were wrapped in red paper. We recorded temperature measurements every ten minutes for a period of fifty minutes. After we graphed the data, it was time to discuss why they thought the items in Box 1, Box 2 and Box 3 responded the way that they did.

In the end, I unwrapped the boxes to reveal..... Hostess Ding Dongs! Box 1 was stored at room temperature for a period of 24 hours prior to class; Box 2 was stored in the refrigerator for a period of 24 hours prior to class; and Box 3 was stored in the freezer for a period of 24 hours prior to use in class.

Needless to say, the kids were able to describe very well why we had a constant temperature with one box and why the other two had such different slopes.

Some students helped me to "properly dispose" the lab supplies. ;)