Our day directly started off with an introduction to scientific knowledge and scientific theories and methods. Afterwards, we got to do an interesting experiment:

We split up into groups of three and each group was handed a „Mystery Box“ with objects inside. Each box was taped shut, so we could not open it. The task was to figure out how many and what objects were inside our boxes. By carrying out various experiments like shaking and tilting it, and using technologies such as magnets, a stethoscope, a scale and a needle, we had to make assumptions what was inside our box.

Roughly two hours later, we presented our results to the class. There were two „categories“ in which one could win an award: One was for the group which was closest to the actual objects and the other was for the group with the most convincing presentation. The prize was a free lunch at the „Blinde Kuh“. The presenting ended up being rather competitive but also entertaining.
Quite ironically, the group which had the least amount of objects correct, was given the award for the most convincing presentation.

Following the interesting morning, we were ready to have some lunch. When we arrived at the „Blinde Kuh“, a kind lady who was blind greeted us and gave us a quick introduction. We had to leave everything that could possibly glow in the dark, outside. Afterwards, we split up into three groups, and had to grab onto each other‘s shoulders. Then, the waitress led us inside. It started off in a dim corridor so our eyes could adjust to the darkness. After a moment, we were guided into a pitch black „room“. There was no proof that it actually was a room, since we could not see anything at all. It did not matter whether your eyes were opened or closed, you could only see the darkness. Thus, we had to rely on our hearing and touch senses. We had to search for our plates  and cutleries with our hands. Before getting our food, we tried to make out who was were, and after a while, some people even started „seeing things“.
Eating was a bit of a challenge because you did not know if you had finished your plate already or if there was still something left.
We really enjoyed this experience and we will certaintly not forget it anytime soon! 

In the afternoon, after our lunch, we focused on sense perception. We could try out different experiments to test our five senses. One of the experiments was the Stroop Effect-test where we had a list of colours written on a paper, however they were printed in different colours. The task was to read out loud the colour it was printed in not the written colour, so for example if you saw Green you had to read out loud  „Red“ and not „Green“.
These various „Sense Perception“ experiments showed us to what extent we can rely on our senses.

All in all, this was the most interesting and entertaining ToK day we have had so far!

Nadine Mahadeva, 5i