A short problem is then presented for purposes of hypothesis development and experimentation. Students are shown bubble blowing wands of different shapes and are asked what effect the shape of the wand will have on the shape of the bubble. As a group, the students discuss the hypothesis. To test the hypothesis, a few bubbles are blown and their shapes are recorded. The exercise moves quickly, and is enjoyed by all.
Students now have an hypothesis, data and a conclusion and can practice writing a lab report.
Pairs of students, using pen names, work together at computers that were logged on to Daedalus Mail prior to the workshop. The students are asked to write a short materials and methods section for the lab report. Students send their writing to the instructor and the rest of the class. The instructor accesses the work and can add a response and return it almost immediately. Students attending the workshop can read their classmates' entries and the instructor's responses.