The Transmutation of Wax: A Lesson in Experimental Design and Controls

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 3 Issue 4 (1998), S1430-4171(98)04237-0

The Transmutation of Wax: A Lesson in Experimental Design and Controls

John J. Sczepanski* and Mark A. Holland

*Department of Chemistry, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. 20064 and Department of Biology, Salisbury State University, Salisbury, MD 21801

Published online: 3 August 1998

Abstract. The need for controls in experimental science is a difficult concept for many science students to grasp. To illustrate its importance, we developed an activity in which students, acting in the role of alchemists, perform an uncontrolled transmutation experiment. When their experiment yields a surprising result, the students are forced to recognize the critical role that a control plays in experimental design. The activity is constructivist in nature and engaging for students. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to introduce multicultural issues and topics from the history of science.

Key Words: In the Classroom; alchemy; transmutation; experimental design and controls; constructivism

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: sczepanj@cua.edu; maholland@ssu.edu)

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