Dispelling Misconceptions about Electricity

     As with any subject, first, the teacher must be knowledgeable about the subject matter.  If we, as teachers, fall prey to misconceptions, how then can we correct our students' beliefs.  The internet has an overwhelming amount of material to sift through.  Using simple sources like this web site can help us keep our facts straight.

     Secondly, never take any source as fact without thoroughly researching it yourself.  Some misconceptions are commonly printed in elementary textbooks.  The myth that Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity when his kite was hit by lightning is taught by many well meaning teachers who trust unreliable sources.  Read these misconceptions widely printed in textbooks to check your curriculum.  Other commonly held science misconceptions can be found here.

     Finally, the best way to dispel a misconception is through a hands-on, constructivist approach.  Children learn by doing.  They may not believe a concept until they can see, touch, hear . . . it.  An experiment will force students to be engaged in the lesson and to question his ideas.  When shown a discrepant event and then are challenged to investigate it, children develop critical thinking skills.  These skills will be used time and time again in everyday life.

Developers of this page

Current group members (first names only): Shelley (spring '09)

All editors and writers (first names only): Amanda, Shelley, Loree and Jason (Spring '09)

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

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