Describe tools used to determine student preconceptions:
This Unit includes the following tools that can help you determine your students' preconceptions:
1. Tool and place in unit:
Lesson 1
- What do you know about chemicals? – Science notebook reflection
- What do you want to know about chemicals? – Science notebook reflection
2. Tool and place in unit:
Lesson 1 and Post Unit Assessment
- White Powder Scenario – Science Notebook Reflection
3. Tool and place in unit:
Lessons 4-11
- Student Test Results Tables
4. Tool and place in unit:
Lesson 5
- Water Mixture Prediction (PDF) – Science Notebook Reflection
5. Tool and place in unit:
Lesson 11
- Unknown Chemical Prediction (PDF) – Science Notebook Reflection
6. Tool and place in unit:
Lesson 12
- Unknown Chemical Conclusion (PDF) – Science Notebook Reflection
7. Tool and place in unit:
Lesson 14
- Unknown Mixture Test Result Table
Description of a student preconception:
All chemicals are dangerous and I should stay away from them.
Correct conception by the end of the unit:
Throughout the unit, students will come to learn chemicals are useful and safely used in their daily lives.
Description of a student preconception:
My observation is wrong if it is different from someone else's.
Correct conception by the end of the unit:
Make sure that students know that if they are honestly and accurately reporting what they observe and following the correct procedure, then they are following the inquiry process correctly.
Description of a student preconception:
If nothing happens during a test, those results don't tell me anything.
Correct conception by the end of the unit:
This unit focuses on how important negative results can be to help you learn about an unknown.