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Lawrence DuBose Lesson Plan
Objective
The objective of this lesson is for students to identify the nature of science. One of the largest
misconceptions in science is that a theory is something with little scientific backing that has not
been proven. This activity is designed to give a rudimentary grounding in the use of basic
terms within the scientific community and to investigate the nature of science itself.
Time
This lesson will take five to six fifty-minute class sessions
Materials
Textbook
Internet
Poster
Procedure
DAY 1- Discuss the nature of science
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Ask students to identify what science is- record class perceptions of science and how work in science is
done
Assign students article (McComas, 15 myths of Science, Skeptic (1997), V.5, No. 2. p.88-95) on how science is done.
DAY 2- Have students define: theory, law, fact, and hypothesis as they pertain to science
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Have students read the article to understand gravity better:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistry101/a/lawtheory.htm
http://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/howscienceworks_01
Have students generate a concept map, individually, using the concept of gravity and how it relates to
the four above terms
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DAY 3-4: Assign students to groups of four to begin their projects. They will work in the
computer labs in the library, with access to all the books in the library
– Have students paired in groups of four to investigate concepts in science, some that
have remained and some that have passed. Students should identify:
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• When the view was prevalent (from when to when)
• Where the view prevailed (what part of the world)
• If the view was overturned, what better explanation was put in its place
• If the view was overturned, why it had been used and what it did help explain
• Whether this is / was a law, theory, hypothesis, fact, or field of study
• Some of the famous scientific proponents associated with the view
Potential topics include
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Alchemy- creation of gold from other elements
Geocentrism
Heliocentrism
Pythagorean Geometry
Astrology
Astronomy
Cold fusion
The Oscillating Universe Theorem
The Big Bang
The Anthropic Principle
Multiverse
Craniometry
Four Basic Elements
Other- At student request
Groups will spend two days in and out of class completing this assignment
Groups will generate poster with concept map showing how idea is / became prevalent and whether or not it still
holds sway
Groups will generate a 2-page (500 word minimum) report addressing all criteria in 3a.
• DAY 5-6- Students will spend 10 minutes
presenting in front of their peers
– There will be a Q & A time following each session
– Groups will be evaluated on:
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Accuracy of their information
Correctly defining terms
Participation in discussion
Clarity of poster