ERIC Number: EJ1114648
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Apr
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-8148
EISSN: N/A
Meta-Sticks: Having Children Consider the Source of Knowledge Promotes Scientific Thinking
Kuhn, Mason
Science and Children, v53 n8 p32-35 Apr 2016
Many elementary science teachers understand that the best way to enhance reasoning and thinking skills in their students is to have them engage in scientific negotiation. They know that teaching is not the simple transmission of information but a complex act that requires teachers to apply knowledge from multiple sources, including student knowledge, in order to facilitate learning. However, actually putting theory into practice can be a daunting task for teachers who are novices in student-led negotiation. In this article teachers will be introduced to a manipulative, "Meta-Sticks," which are used to promote scientific thinking and possibly allow for conceptual change in students who have misconceptions about scientific phenomena. Meta-Sticks can be used at any grade level, but this article will presents how to use them in two fourth-grade lessons.
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Thinking Skills, Grade 4, Elementary School Students, Science Process Skills, Misconceptions, Scientific Concepts, Evidence, Science Teachers, Theory Practice Relationship, Manipulative Materials, Science Instruction, Science Activities
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Guides - Classroom - Teacher; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A