In practice and performance, it is better to use a rat. The name of this experiment is not “Science Experiment with a Rat” because there are connotations with the word “rat” and implications of a human object. “Science Experiment with a Rodent” is general enough to be true, yet “mouse” is snappier, and the imagery of a mouse being held for experiment is a bit more tangible. Even more so and to be fair, any creature which breathes air is suitable for this experiment. A rat is a good size for audience visibility, while not being so pathetic an audience member loses concentration on the experiment.
In this experiment, the rat is placed in a clear box. In practice, the box can be topless. Yet in performance, the box should have a sealable lid. This is to raise excitement in the audience. The rodent is placed in the box, and the box begins to slowly fill with water. The presenter should then announce that the water will stop flowing once the experiment is complete. Here is the experiment:
And the experiment is a problem-solution with the general formula: “This does something. What does it do?” The solution should be simple enough. Following determination of the answer, what it is the phrase or question does, free the rat. Then, ask the open-ended question.
“What does it do for the rat?” Then have the question positioned next to the rat swimming for its life in the raising waters. There is a text area for response, if desired.
before_action { @business, @user = params[:business], params[:user] }
This does something. What does it do?
before_action { @business, @user = params[:business], params[:user] }
jacques91@ethereal.email
What does it do for the rat?
Response: