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Mystery box puzzle for model based reasoning

Author(s): Sam S Donovan1, Pravin Muthu2

1. University of Pittsburgh 2. Emory University

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Summary:
This is a computer based problem solving activity that I use to engage introductory biology students with discussions about model based reasoning.

Licensed under CC Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International according to these terms

Version 1.0 - published on 30 Oct 2021 doi:10.25334/9CTV-1556 - cite this

Description

The mystery box puzzle presents students with a relatively straight forward logic problem - if they can understand and use the model to explore how the mystery box behaves. The assignment shared here was done in small groups during a 50 minute class session. I have included a series of teaching notes and suggestions. I believe that this tool could be used to teach a variety of process of science topics. 

Launch Mystery Box

Notes

This is the version I have taught for several years in a large introductory biology course. 

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