Publication Title: Journal of Science Teacher Education
Author: Burgoon, J. N., Heddle, M. L., & Duran, E.
Volume (Issue): 22(2)
Page Number: 101-114
Publication Year: 2011
Abstract:
There is a large body of research that has explored students’ misconceptions about science phenomena. Less research, however, has been devoted to identifying teachers’ misconceptions, but the results of the few existing studies demonstrate that teachers and students possess similar misconceptions. This study explored the physical science conceptions of 103 elementary science teachers to determine whether, after three decades of misconception research, teachers still possess conceptions similar to those held by students. We found that our teachers expressed misconceptions regarding gravity, magnetism, gases, and temperature that were similar to common student misconceptions. Suggestions for improving science professional development programs are discussed.
Misconceptions
- Gravity increases as objects increase their height above the ground.{Age/Grade: 3-5}{Scientific Subjects: Physics, Gravity}
- All metals are attracted to magnets.{Age/Grade: 3-5}{Scientific Subjects: Physics, Magnetism}
- Large magnets are stronger than small magnets.{Age/Grade: 3-5}{Scientific Subjects: Physics, Magnetism}
- Gases are lighter than solids or liquids.{Age/Grade: 3-5}{Scientific Subject: Physics}
- Some objects are inherently warmer or colder than other objects.{Age/Grade: 3-5}{Scientific Subjects: Physics, Heat (temperature and expansion)}