Modifying Cookbook Labs: A different way of teaching a standard laboratory engages students and promotes understanding

by: Robert L. Clark, Michael P. Clough, and Craig A. Berg

In this article, an extended lab activity from a common cookbook approach is modified to determine the percent mass of water in copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate crystals. This modified approach significantly enhances students' understanding of matter, the properties of matter, the nature of science, and inquiry. It's not necessary for teachers to create new curriculum or change everything they do—modifying cookbook labs to mentally engage students is effective.

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Type Journal ArticlePub Date 10/1/2000Stock # tst00_067_07_40Volume 067Issue 07

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