Science Misconceptions

Science misconceptions are abundant in elementary, high school, and college classrooms, as well as among the general population.  It is important for educators to understand how such misconceptions are formed, how they may be recognized, and how they may be successfully dispelled. 

Misconception of the Seasons

One of the most common science misconceptions is what causes the change in the seasons.  An understanding of this concept will ensure that teachers do not continue to perpetuate common myths, and, instead, give students a accurate explanation of the way the seasons change.  The video below of typical college students will illustrate a variety misconceptions about how the seasons change:

The following links show how to recognize and address the misconceptions of the seasons.

How the season misconception is formed.

Recognizing the season misconception.

Teaching to dispell the season misconception.

Misconceptions of Evolution

Another misconception held by students and teachers alike is that micro evolution warrants macro evolution. This misconcepton is more strongly entrenched than most and is perpetuated by many science text books. The following video shows the range of understanding on this topic at Southwest Baptist University.

The following links will help you deal with this misconception in your classroom.

How the macro-evolution misconception is formed through natural selection

How the macro-evolution misconception is formed through mutation

How the macro-evolution misconception can be dispelled

Misconception of Electricity

Many students and adults alike do not know how electricity operates. Electricity is taken for granted by so many people yet few understand it. Many are unable to complete a simple circuit using a battery, light and wire. Watch this video showing varing degrees of understanding of the electrical circuit.

How electrical misconceptions are formed

How electrical misconceptions are recognized

How electrical misconceptions can be dispelled

Group members

• David, Rachel, and Jason (spring 2008)

   

   

   

 Webquest

Developers of this page

Current group members (first names only): David, Rachel, and Jason (spring '08)

All editors and writers (first names only): David, Rachel, and Jason (Spring '08)