Exploring High School Students Understanding of Nature of Science Concepts

• In Event: Nature of Science and Understanding

Abstract

Nature of Science (NOS) is a core part of modern science education. Extensive research efforts have gone into establishing NOS concepts, teaching practices and assessments tools. However, while previous studies have identified the importance of understanding prior knowledge when teaching science, little study has gone into establishing its effect on the learning of NOS concepts. This study investigated the NOS beliefs of high school students in New Zealand using a modified NOS questionnaire to identify students for semi-structured interviews. The resulting data indicates that knowing NOS concepts alone is not enough. This research indicates that both explicit NOS instruction and the development of students’ knowledge beliefs play a crucial integrated role in forming a developed understanding of the scientific endeavour.

Author

• Blair Daniel Northcott, Victoria University of Wellington