The Lava Lamp A lava lamp was developed in the 60’s. In the 60’s and 70’s, lava lamps served as a “focal point” for … meditation…. Lava lamps have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years.

Activity Goals Practice observation skills. Practice questioning. Develop an understanding of the workings of the lamp.

The Scientific Process The scientific process is a systematic way of attempting to explain natural phenomena. Careful observation is the first step in in this process. An observation is a fact obtained with the senses without judgment. Observations, not interpretations, are the direct input that should be recorded while performing every experiment. Interpretation comes later.

Group Activity Form a group of three students near where you are sitting or in any other part of the room. Work with the other members of the group toward an answer. Solitary, individual work is not permitted Convince each other of the correctness of the group's response. Discuss, argue, and intellectually engage. Record your answer with the names of your group members on your group answer sheet.

Observing the Lamp You have five (5) minutes to observe the lava lamp. Write down at as may observations as you can (keep your observations based on fact, not emotion).

Developing Questions Return to your observations. Write a question that is linked to each observation.

Interpretation An answer to a question you posed represents interpretation of the original observation. Try to answer as many of your observational questions as possible.

How can we test our answers? You now have a collection of observations that generated scientific questions regarding some aspect of the lava lamp. You have attempted to answer some or all of your scientific questions. Suggest tests or experiments that could verify (or negate) your answers.