The Iterative Nature of Science

The nature of science is more than students following a recipe of instructions in a laboratory experiment. Students are required to learn how scientists acquire knowledge through the process of scientific discovery. They learn by doing science as scientists behave in the lab. Students will do an exploratory activity with acid base reactions. Then they will design their own acid base indicator using household items and create their own indicator. Through an iterative process students will record their work and any changes they make to improve the reaction process. They will create an indicator or indicators that can be purchased at a grocery store that can detect three different pH levels (acid, base, and intermediate). The goal is to produce three distinct colors. This process will be completed in groups of three to four students. Finally they will present their reaction(s) to the class using slides.