Described is a social studies classroom exercise intended to help students understand the ideas of self-concept and the perception of the self by others. Instructions to the teacher are included for introducing the activity, helping students analyze the data, and following up the activity with relevant discussion. (Author/DB)

Maintains that having students estimate the size and width of a class waste paper can (placed on a desk) is a simple and effective way of illustrating perceptual distortion. Tests show that people will consistently overestimate the height of the can, allowing for a useful discussion on sensory distortion. (MJP)