The History and Nature of Science
Use children's literature, coupled with hands on lessons, to teach the history and nature of science.
By Jennifer Sinsel
In school, students are accustomed to the idea that there is one right answer to a problem. If they come up with the correct answer, they get a good grade. If they don’t, their grade suffers. In the real world, right or wrong answers aren't obvious. Scientists base explanations about the natural world on evidence from their investigations, and for most major ideas in science (such as germ theory, evolution, and the laws of motion), there is enough evidence that they are unlikely to change. However, science is still a fluid field, and sometimes explanations may change if new evidence comes to light.
In the National Science Content Standards, the history and nature of science is listed as an important means of teaching the idea that scientists sometimes change their explanations based on new evidence. A great way to introduce this idea to students is with the children’s series, "Boy, Were We Wrong About . . . by Kathleen V. Kudlinski. This series of books on several popular topics allows children to discover mistaken ideas scientists had over time, as well as how those ideas have changed as new evidence is discovered.
In "Boy, Were We Wrong About the Dinosaurs!" the author presents a number of early ideas about the dinosaurs, beginning with the ancient Chinese assumption that dinosaur bones actually belonged to dragons. In "Boy, Were We Wrong About the Solar System" students are introduced to the early idea that ships would fall off the edge of Earth if they sailed far enough! In each of her books, Kudlinski presents many scientific explanations that were later dispelled as new evidence was discovered. Students are left with a final thought: What new evidence might they discover?
Children love to hear about the mistakes of adults, which makes this book a great teaching tool. Teachers can introduce science process skills such as observation, inference, and analyzing data as they read the various ideas that have developed and changed over the years. Perhaps most importantly, students can see that scientists test their explanations of nature using observations and experiments. When current explanations don’t match the results of new investigations, scientific ideas can change.
After reading these books with your students, try one of the following hands on lesson plans to teach the nature of science.
The History and Nature of Science Lesson Plans:
Mystery Boxes: Uncertainty and Collaboration
Students analyze the internal structure and contents of boxes to learn about the uncertain nature of science.
In this activity students have to figure out where a metal washer is located in a closed box. The challenge is for students to develop a series of tests to determine where the washer is located.
Students have to analyze whether or not the Earth is really flat. They have to provide evidence to support the idea that the Earth is not flat, but spherical. They then present their evidence and make conclusions.
In this activity students investigate how a propeller works. Students use a wooden dowel, a smaller dowel, and a small stick to create a propeller. The propeller is designed to change directions.