CHANGING STUDENTS' CONCEPTIONS ABOUT NATURE OF SCIENCE

Understanding Alternative Conceptions of Science

• Myths About the Scientific Method

  • Common belief in a single scientific method: Define a problem, find hypotheses, conduct experiments, and report results.

  • Reality: Science is fluid, reflexive, context-dependent, and unpredictable.

  • Encourage sharing personal research experiences, including challenges and changes in one's approach.

The Role of Experiments in Science

• Misconception: Experiments Are Central

  • While experiments are vital in many fields, they are not universal in all scientific disciplines.

  • Examples where experiments may be unethical or impossible:

    • Some medicine disciplines.

    • Evolutionary biology.

• Alternatives to Experimental Methods

  • Emphasize the importance of observations and investigations that are crucial in various scientific fields.