You may want to try this sort of activity after students understand relevant background information. You may also want to try this first with an easier actlvlty. I think it is realistic to say that, if you try the changes I am advocating in this article, some students will struggle. However, in this case struggle is good. Students will eventually or immediately rise to the challenge.
Higher expectations are good for teachers and students alike.
You can use materials and activities you have on hand and feel comfortable with, yet still challenge your students in ways that help them think like scientists. CSTA Journal 6-9. Alan Colburn is an assistant professor of science education at California State University, Long Beach. He teaches science courses for prospective elementary school teachers and education courses for prospective middle and high school science teachers.