Sci-box Memory

			Memory like an elephant


		What factors affect memory?

		Be careful when you select your items for the third test. Do not choose anything sharp or dangerous.

PLAN	There are lots of ways you could investigate memory. Here is a suggestion for one approach you could use. Make a list of 20 different items. Collect together pictures of 20 different items. Collect 20 different items. Get together a small group of volunteers and test how well they remember each set of items. How will you select your volunteers?			I WILL NEED	A list of 20 items. Pictures of 20 items. 20 actual items. A clock or watch. Paper and pencil for volunteers to use.
				I MAY NEED	A quiet place to carry out the tests.
				FAIR TEST	Use the same volunteers for each test. Give them the same amount of time to remember each set of items. Give them the same amount of time to recall each set of items.

	PREDICTION	Which set of items do you think will be easiest to remember? Why do you think so?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY	Give your volunteers a set amount of time to memorise the written list - then test how well they can remember the items. Give them the same amount of time to memorise the pictures - then test how well they can remember the items. Give them the same time to memorise the actual items - then test how well they can remember the items. How long will you give the volunteers to memorise each set of items? How long will you give them to recall the items?			COLLECT DATA	Make sure each volunteer puts their name on each of their memory-sheets. You will need to check each volunteer's lists to see how well they recall each set of items.
				ANALYSE DATA	Compare each volunteer's score on each test. What will this show you? Some volunteers might perform better at one test - but others might perform better at a different test.
				PRESENT FINDINGS	This investigation produces quite a lot of data. How can you present this simply and clearly? You could draw a chart for each volunteer - or a chart for each of the three tests.

	EVALUATE INVESTIGATION	If you were going to do this investigation again, what would you do to improve it?

	If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website. It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post. Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.
	MEMORY TEST		MEMORY MAZE		MATCHING GAME