Mystery Box
A mystery box is great prediction activity for the start of a unit or the introduction to a topic. For this activity, students will predict what object may be in a box, in relation to a particular topic, before actually comparing their list to the objects actually within.
Preparation for this activity involves find several objects related to a unit or concept. For example, if a unit is looking at concepts of nation, a box may contain an atlas, a cross, a dream-catcher, a Quaran, and some books written in Spanish. All of these objects represent different understandings of nation. For the activity itself, begin by giving students the topic of the box, and writing on the board their predictions for the box's contents. Having student volunteers to write on the board and open the box are great ways to increase student engagement in this activity. After students have predicted the contents of the box, take the actual objects of the box out one by one, ensuring to write these down on a separate list.
Have students compare the two lists, discussing objects they are surprised are included, and objects they are surprised are not included. Discuss the reasoning for the choice of objects as an introduction to the topic.
Preparation for this activity involves find several objects related to a unit or concept. For example, if a unit is looking at concepts of nation, a box may contain an atlas, a cross, a dream-catcher, a Quaran, and some books written in Spanish. All of these objects represent different understandings of nation. For the activity itself, begin by giving students the topic of the box, and writing on the board their predictions for the box's contents. Having student volunteers to write on the board and open the box are great ways to increase student engagement in this activity. After students have predicted the contents of the box, take the actual objects of the box out one by one, ensuring to write these down on a separate list.
Have students compare the two lists, discussing objects they are surprised are included, and objects they are surprised are not included. Discuss the reasoning for the choice of objects as an introduction to the topic.