Science Of Teaching
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Claudia Said:
I am thinking of changing from science career to teaching?We Answered:
If you can communicate what you know in an engaging way then by all means teach. Simply having the knowledge does not necessarily mean one can effectively convey it to others, particularly those who do not share your love of the topic.I have taught Science for 29 years. I would not want to do anything else. It can be rewarding and exciting. It can also be frustrating and heartbreaking. If done correctly it takes up a great deal of time both at school and at home. I arrive at school around 7:45 and do not leave until 5:30. This past week end I spent time Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening grading papers and submitting progress reports. I cannot leave my job at school and pick it up the next morning. It goes with me every where I go. I am always on the lookout for ideas and materials. I have taught ages 12 through 18. There are advantages and disadvantages at all levels. You just have to find you niche. I prefer 14 and 15 year olds....call me crazy! There is a shortage of Science teachers. If you are not afraid of hard work, I would say "go for it".
Mattie Said:
What are the effects of teaching science misconceptions to students?We Answered:
If done well, it should provide insight into the concept that what is thought of as true today, may be proved to be wrong or merely a misconception by tomorrow. Remember, the goal of teaching beyond imparting mere facts, it to implant a desire to continue to learn, the ability to think for one's self, and wisdom to know how to go about discovering for themselves if something is true, false, or a misconception.Mark
Nicholas Said:
What are some good websites for teaching Science, specifically biology?We Answered:
There is plenty online. But try to invest in a good book for reference, find one online at www.amazon.com, or in a used book store that is close to your college or university, as these tend to have lots of cheap used textbooks. A beginner Biology book for college can also be used for an 8th grader if he is profiecient in English. The material may have to be split in half. (over 2 years)Below are some nice websites.
Roberto Said:
US law on creation, evolution, religion, science, teaching in public schools.?We Answered:
The following answers mostly reflect only public schools. Private and homeschools in America have complete control over how and what they teach. (Homeschools do have to follow local laws, but those laws do not govern which viewpoint something must be taught from.)1. Technically, yes.
2. Science is a required subject.
3. Yes, it does...oddly enough, it doesn't allow for any other view, even though evolution has never been proven. It is taught as fact, just as practical science (lab science) is taught as fact. It doesn't give any information about the fact that practical (applied) science and origin science are two completely different fields, though.
4. Public schools teach that evolution is science (though technically, it's not) and creation is religion. Both of them are origin-based theories. (Not scientific theories, as they can't be observed, repeated, or falsified, but origin theories.) Private schools can take their pick (or allow the students to study them side by side) as can homeschools.
5. Public schools teach that evolution is undeniable fact, without allowing any other views to be taught.
6. That's a hard one. Each teacher teaches it according to their view.
7. Public schools normally state that religion must be kept out of the schools, except for clubs. Some will teach a comparative religions class, and some will teach religious literature as an English/Lit elective. Private and homeschools have a choice about how to approach each and every subject.
8. Public schools forbid teaching religion, ever since one woman in the 60s went on a litigious rampage because her son was "forced" to witness prayer in school. Up until then, it was seen as normal practice to include religious education...now, heaven forbid a kid even says "Merry Christmas" to a classmate.
Irene Said:
What is the idea of induction in science teaching?We Answered:
Induction is the basis of the scientific method, its alternative is deduction. If you deduce something, it should in theory be absolutely correct within the context of its assumed premises, ie the premises dictate the answer. If you induce something it gets stronger the more culmulative the evidence, but is never a 'proof'. That's why the theory of evolution for example, is a 'theory', because its based on observation rather than deduction.Example of deduction:
P1: All bachelors are unmarried
P2: Alastair is a bachelor
C: Therefore, Alastair is unmarried.
That's absolutely correct. The premises (P) could in fact be wrong, but with the premises assumed the conclusion (C) that I'm unmarried is certain.
Example of induction:
P1: Alastair lives in the UK
P2: Alastair is unmarried
P3: Doug lives in the UK
C: Therefore, Doug is unmarried
The limitations of induction become pretty obvious. C becomes stronger the more powerful and numerous the premises are. That's why scientists tend to talk about 'supporting evidence' and mathematicians tend to talk about 'proofs'.
Lee Said:
What is the importance of teaching aids in science teaching?We Answered:
Using aids while teaching science is important for many reasons:1. First, people tend to not remember what they're told if they don't have a visual to remember it by (especially if it's information they aren't highly motivated to remember). The only parts of Chem 11 I can still remember are the concepts which were taught by demos.
2. Students who are not academically inclined automatically tune out when a teacher is standing in the front and droning on and on about a topic. When there's something for them to watch, they end up paying attention and becoming engaged (in most cases).
3. Students who are not native speakers may have a very difficult time understanding scientific words, but if they have something visual to see, they can understand the concept and understand the new vocabulary faster
4. Lastly, using demos allows students to see scientific equipment being used - some of which they may not have a chance to use themselves . Demos show students exactly how certain concepts were discovered (such as the above example of showing how we know the air is only made out of about 21% oxygen).