Nov 1 2012
Nature of Science
OBJECTIVES
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Share thoughts, resources, and experiences on this
issue
Create a shared language for terms so that we can
apply and reinforce definitions in future contentbased 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
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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?
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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
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10 minutes: Discuss common student misconceptions
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5 minutes: Discuss language we use, terms that reinforce
misconceptions
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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?
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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
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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:
 Prove
evidence
 Truth/ true
 Right/wrong
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support/ evidence
support/ provide
valid/ supported
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)?
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