Indirect Observation Simulator

Discovery and Understanding Through Indirect Observation The Indirect Observation Simulator allows students to experience first-hand what it means to come to conclusions from indirect observation. The included worksheet asks students to explore the process of discovery and record their strategies and thoughts during the activity.

This activity also serves as an introduction to Ernest Rutherford and Rutherford's experiment, which used indirect observation to deduce the structure of an atom. A narrated Flash presentation, originally distributed here, is included for students to view so that they may make the connection between their activity and Rutheford's experiment.

Below are materials for this activity. It is stronly advised that you take a look at the worksheet before launching into the activity!

• Activity Worksheet, including introduction, questions, and links to the Simulator and Rutherford Flash cartoon.
• Indirect Observation Simulator (also inserted below - just scroll down and click within the box to play)
• Narrated Flash cartoon about Rutherford and his experiment.

The above activity requires Flash 7.0, a common plugin available from Macromedia.

This page is a component of Mohan Karulkar's GK12 Website - Click Here to return to the main site if this page appears outside of a frame.

Please note that all materials have been created by Mohan Karulkar and may not be reproduced without credit. Contact karulkar@uiuc.edu for information.