Lesson 18: Suggested Activities that Explore Earth Science
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Description With regard to teaching the Earth concept, educators have the illusion that providing some proof of the spherical shape of Earth will convince the pupils about Earth's shape and, as a by-product, will change their understanding of the "nature" of cosmic space. Such proofs, when given without considering the pupils' preconceptions and without confronting them explicitly, often do not serve this purpose.They do not have the intended effect of causing the pupils to modify their belief about Earth's shape, and needless to say, they do not influence the pupils' notions of cosmic space. The notion of cosmic space requires direct and explicit didactic treatment. (Nussbaum 1989:190) Earth science involves the study of Earth's composition, its layers, and the activity within the layers, oceans, and weather systems. The study of astronomy is often included. Much of what is known about the earth and the rest of the universe is based on inferences. Thus, as Nussbaum (1989) points out, much of earth science has to be taught through didactic methods. It is difficult to collect data through observations because change occurs on a grand scale and over very long periods of time. The formations of most earth science concepts were developed by using sophisticated technology.Theories of plate tectonics, for example, were developed in part by collecting samples from hundreds of feet below the earth and the ocean in different parts of the world. Seismographic data collected over many years were also used to develop an explanation for the movement of earth plates. The same is true for astronomy. Thus, making papier-mache planets does not lead to understanding anything about them. This is merely an art exercise. Usually, the planets are not made to scale, and their surfaces are not reproduced accurately either. These science concepts have been incorporated into curriculums with little consideration as to whetherthe children are developmentally ready to understand them.The plate tectonics theory was first introduced into the science curriculum at the high school level.The students collected actual data about earthquakes and volcanic activity.They studied maps of the continents and read about the composition UNIT III: INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR SCIENCE
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