Nature of Science BED 6416

Before we begin… Think of a topic – any topic – in the discipline that you hope to teach and write it down on a blank sheet of paper.

What is Science? There are many different definitions How do you define science? – Turn your sheet of paper over and fold it in half – On the left side, make a list of 4 or 5 words that describe science. – Below that, still on the left side, make a list of 4 or 5 words that depict the important aspects of the specific science topic you chose Think about the process of scientific exploration in that field

Science in Action How does science happen in the real world? Flip your paper over, and as you watch this clip of “Race for the Double Helix,” write down 5-10 words on the right side of your paper that describe the essence of the scenes you are watching. – Start at 36:30 End at 46:05

What is Science? Unfold your paper and compare what you wrote on the two sides. How do your two lists of terms compare? How can you explain the differences?

What is Science? “Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts.” “If you thought that science was certain – well that is just an error on your part.” – Richard Feynman “The grand aim of all science is to cover the greatest number of empirical facts by logical deduction from the smallest number of hypotheses or axioms.” “The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.” – Albert Einstein

What is Science? “The whole history of science has been the gradual realization that events do not happen in an arbitrary manner, but that they reflect a certain underlying order, which may or may not be divinely inspired.” – Steven Hawking “In science, ‘fact’ can only mean ‘confirmed’ to such a degree that it would be perverse to withhold provisional assent.’ I suppose that apples might start to rise tomorrow, but the possibility does not merit equal time in physics classrooms.” – Stephen Jay Gould “It is the tension between creativity and skepticism that has produced the stunning and unexpected findings of science.” – Carl Sagan

What is Science? “The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discovery is not Eureka! but rather, ‘hmm…that’s funny…’.” “Creationists make it sound as though a ‘theory’ is something you dreamt up after being drunk all night.” – Isaac Asimov “In this house, we OBEY the laws of thermodynamics.” – Homer Simpson

What is Science? Belief Certain Empirical Everyday Order Confirmed Creativity Skepticism Funny Theory Laws

Misunderstanding Science Do students understand what science is? – What aspects might challenge them? What alternative conceptions might they have? – We are students Do teachers understand what science is? – What aspects might challenge them? What alternative conceptions might they have? – We are teachers

Myths of Science nce.pdf nce.pdf

Integrating N.O.S. Go back to the topic you wrote down at the beginning of this discussion With a partner, brainstorm some ways that you could integrate the N.O.S. into a lesson for that topic