The Crocodile Dentist!

Driving Question: Why does the

Crocodile Dentist behave the way it does?
Make observations/collect data
Come up with an explanation (hypothesis) for the mechanism inside
that makes it work
Communicate your hypothesis
Investigation Procedure:
On a large piece of paper, draw a table with 5 pairs of columns across and 21
rows down. On the left-hand column of the pair of columns, number 1
through 100. Leave the right-hand column blank to record your data.
Table example:
#1data
#21-40
20
1
2
3
4
5
6
Cont.

dat
a

#41-60

dat
a

#6180

data

#81100

dat
a

Starting from right side of the mouth, count each tooth as you gently push it
down, one at a time, until the crocodiles jaw snaps shut. Record the number
of the tooth that caused the jaw to snap shut.
Starting from the right side each time, repeat the procedure 100 times,
recording the bad tooth results each time.
When your testing procedure is finished, look for patterns in the data that
might help you develop and support your explanation.
Write down your explanation and draw a picture of your explanation to
answer the driving question.
Crocodile Dentist Explanation Judging Criteria:
Does your explanation:

1. Explain all the observations, data, & patterns? E.g., order of teeth that
trigger, how teeth are armed, how teeth trigger it to close, etc.
a) What data/observations/patterns does it account for?
b) What data/observations/patterns does it not account for?
2. Is it consistent with other ideas we have about how the world works
and other explanations in science? E.g., how a selected mechanical
object works, ideas about forces, non-animated objects, etc.
a) What ideas is it consistent with?
b) What ideas is it not consistent with?

3. Can it predict the behavior of the system if something is changed in a

specific way?
If {identify a part of your explanation you presume to be accurate}
and {describe the test you would run to check that part of
then {describe what you would expect the results to be}.

Reflection: Is the crocodile dentistry activity an inquiry investigation?

Explain your answer. What process skills are used in this activity? If you
identify more than one process skill, do the ones you identify support each
other? How?