Are Atoms Real if You Can't See Them?

This game is set in the first international chemistry meeting in Karlsruhe, Germany. The assembled scientists represent the who’s who of 19th century science. The game considers three main issues:

1. Are atoms real or just a theoretical idea? This pits empiricists who accept only what they discover with the five senses against realists who use experiments and logic to infer that atoms must be real.

2. Should all types of experiments produce the same result for formulas and relative weights? Experimental evidence from different types of experiments gives different values for the relative weights of carbon and oxygen. Is there a reason that the results should be consistent?

3. What are the correct relative weights of the elements and formulas of compounds? The factions present conflicting values for the relative weights of the elements carbon and oxygen and the empirical formulas of simple organic compounds in the format of a professional meeting.

Much of the conflict in the game centers on the proper formulas for water and carbon oxide and the relative weights of carbon and oxygen. These were much in dispute in 1860. The arguments center on differing interpretations of a collection of experimental data available in 1860. The game fits particularly well in courses that look at the historical development of chemistry including the Atoms First approach and also in history and philosophy of science courses. In basic science courses, instructors have the option of requiring students to do the calculations from raw experimental data. Alternatively, students can be given the results of the calculations and then defend their interpretation of the results.

Class Size and Scalability 
This game is recommended for classes with 9-40 students. 

Class Time
For this short game, 1 setup session and 2 game sessions are recommended. 

Assignments
You can adjust the assignments based on the desired learning outcomes of your class. The primary source material is experimental data. Students can either receive the final calculated results, or, in chemistry classes, they can be required to do the calculations. For courses in Philosophy of Science, additional texts by Plato, Aristotle, Bacon, Compte and others may be assigned. This game can include scientific writing and interpretation of experimental results. All roles are expected to give a prepared speech.