HAHIRA – Dr. Leslie Jones, biology professor at Valdosta State University, used a minnow lab to demonstrate the two distinct types of thinking that make up scientific investigations to Valwood middle school students.
By using minnows separated into dark and light tubs, she explained the processes of induction and deduction to a room full of middle school students, according to school officials.
They observed the colors of the fish changing environments, their behavior reactions to environment changes and more.
After observing the differences in behavior, Jones had the students predict what the fish would do if placed in a test pan painted white on one side and black on the other, and they all made accurate predictions, according to school officials.
“This lab is one that I use regularly in my own classes at VSU to teach about scientific thinking,” Jones said. “I like it for demonstrations because the fish are fascinating to everyone from pre-K to teachers in workshops.”
Lorre Carr, Valwood middle school science teacher, said “this experiment was a great way for our students to learn more about the scientific method, our community is very fortunate to have professors like Dr. Jones who are willing to take time to share their knowledge with our youth.”