Nature of Science

Nov 1 2012

OBJECTIVES

Share thoughts, resources, and experiences on this issue

Create a shared language for terms so that we can apply and reinforce definitions in future content-based activities

Determine how to address student misconceptions regarding the nature of science

Discuss whether and how to implement the Nature of Science within workshops

OUTLINE

5 minutes: Initial feedback from all: is this something that you integrate in your lessons already? Is it a stand-alone or introduction at the beginning of the year? Is it addressed in the curriculum?

20 minutes: Review the Probes on “Science,” “Hypothesis,” and “Theory” together, to help build shared vocabulary and unify various understandings of the Nature of Science

   10 minutes: Discuss common student misconceptions

  5 minutes: Discuss language we use, terms that reinforce

misconceptions

20 minutes: Group Discussion and Brainstorming

FEEDBACK

is this something that you integrate in your lessons already?

Is it a stand-alone or introduction at the beginning of the year?

Is it addressed in the curriculum?

PROBES: WHAT IS A HYPOTHESIS?

_____ A. A statement that can be tested

_____ B. A guess made before any observations are conducted

_____ C. A question asked at the beginning of an investigation

_____ D. A statement that may lead to a prediction

_____ E. Used to prove whether something is true

_____ F. Eventually becomes a theory, then a law

_____ G. May guide an investigation

_____ H. Used to decide what data to pay attention to and seek

_____ I. Can be developed using imagination and creativity

_____ J. Must be in the form of “if…then…”

PROBES: WHAT IS A HYPOTHESIS?

__X__ A. A statement that can be tested

_____ B. A guess made before any observations are conducted

_____ C. A question asked at the beginning of an investigation

__X__ D. A statement that may lead to a prediction

_____ E. Used to prove whether something is true

_____ F. Eventually becomes a theory, then a law

__X__ G. May guide an investigation

__X__ H. Used to decide what data to pay attention to and seek

__X__ I. Can be developed using imagination and creativity

_____ J. Must be in the form of “if…then…”

PROBE: IS IT A THEORY?

_____ A. Theories include observations.

_____ B. Theories are just “hunches” scientists have.

_____ C. Theories are personal beliefs or opinions.

_____ D. Theories have been tested many times.

_____ E. A theory never changes.

_____ F. Theories are inferred explanations, strongly supported by evidence.

_____ G. A scientific law has been proven and a theory has not.

_____ H. Theories are used to make predictions.

PROBE: IS IT A THEORY?

__X__ A. Theories include observations.

_____ B. Theories are just “hunches” scientists have.

_____ C. Theories are personal beliefs or opinions.

__X__ D. Theories have been tested many times.

_____ E. A theory never changes.

__X__ F. Theories are inferred explanations, strongly supported by evidence.

_____ G. A scientific law has been proven and a theory has not.

__X__ H. Theories are used to make predictions.

SCIENCE IS

Four students were having a discussion about how scientists do their work. This is what they said: Antoine: “I think scientists just try out different things until something

works.” Tamara: “I think there is a definite set of steps all scientists follow called

the scientific method.” Marcos: “I think scientists use different methods depending on their

question.” Avery: “I think scientists use different methods but they all involve doing

experiments.”

Which student do you most agree with? _______________________

STUDENT/ COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS Resources:

List of misconceptions: http://undsci.berkeley.edu/teaching/misconceptions.php#c1

Science Knowledge Survey: http://www.indiana.edu/~ensiweb/lessons/sci.tst.html

WORDS

Proof alternatives: support/ evidence

Prove support/ provide evidence

Truth/ true valid/ supported Right/wrong valid/ supported

GROUP DISCUSSION AND BRAINSTORMING

how are teachers already addressing this issue?

How can we add and support the Nature of Science within workshops (ex: stars and galaxies)?