Lemon and Bells

Robert Gagne was a believer in stimulus learning, which was made popular by Ian Pavlov.  It is also known as classical conditioning.  I have a great experiment for teachers who are teaching about Gagne, Pavlov, or classical conditioning. I was put through this experiment in middle school and I still cringe when I hear a bell!

Here is what you will need:

• A lemon wedge for each student.
•  A bell

First, show this video, or one similar.  You may have your own that you prefer.  As long as it explains classical conditioning, it will work.

 

Next, you will give each student a wedge of lemon, and probably a napkin.  Everytime you ring the bell, they will have to dive into those lemons and suck/eat them until you finish ringing the bell.  Repeat this process 10 to 15 times.  Then let them dispose of the lemons.  Once everything is cleaned up, ring the bell again.  Their mouthes should water at the sound of the bell.  I did this over 8 years ago, and writing about it has my mouth salivating! Enjoy!

 

 

If you would like to have handouts, or would rather read to your students about classical conditioning, here is a website that I find quite easy to understand: Classical Conditioning