Misconceptions in Secondary Science

About this module:

In this module we focus on how misconceptions begin and grow in Science and how we can identify and address them to change our student’s thinking. This is especially important where students are working more independently in a remote setting where there is the potential for exacerbating the preconceptions that lead to embedded misconceptions. This module will review some of the most common misconceptions in the secondary Science curriculum, how questioning, including diagnostic questioning, reveals student explicit thinking, and approaches for addressing these misconceptions and incorrect thinking.

This module is appropriate for teachers and classroom practitioners in secondary Science.

Session One: Finding Misconceptions will explore:

• What are preconceptions/misconceptions?
• How do they arise?
• How can we identify them?

Session Two: Resolving Misconceptions will explore:

• Common biology, chemistry, and physics topic misconceptions.
• Strategies for alleviating these misconceptions.

• Understand how student preconceptions and misconceptions arise.
• Learn how to identify student misconceptions with effective strategies.
• Explore common misconceptions in secondary science.
• Learn how to facilitate students in creating conceptual change to remove misconceptions.