What Does This Article Address?

I am currently a student at the University of Northern Iowa and have been learning a lot about components that are extremely important when teaching science. One of these is looking at the m... See More

I am currently a student at the University of Northern Iowa and have been learning a lot about components that are extremely important when teaching science. One of these is looking at the misconceptions of your students. This article identifies several misconceptions that students have when it comes to clouds. It goes in depth on what they are and how teachers can address these misconceptions in a way that will transform them. This also explains how certain actions that teachers might take while teaching the water cycle can enforce these misconceptions. They end up advising teachers to look more into how clouds and rain form, so the teacher can properly address misconceptions. This article then goes through the water cycle and goes in depth on how the water transforms. This helps educate teachers even further in the different forms of water (solid, liquid, gas). I would definitely recommend teachers to read this article before teaching about solid, liquid and gas in regards to water because it can be confusing to teach for everyone.

Wonderful Discussion Activity!

This article opened my eyes to the misconceptions students may have about clouds. I have never truly thought about what clouds may look like in the eyes of children. I know I didn't think ab... See More

This article opened my eyes to the misconceptions students may have about clouds. I have never truly thought about what clouds may look like in the eyes of children. I know I didn't think about the natural phenomenon of clouds much as a child. My only thought was that they release rain. I love how in depth this article goes into about the resources of confusion when teaching the water cycle. Teaching the water cycle and states of matter are closely related instructional topics, so I would definitely use this article as a resource when teaching these topics to my students. I especially love the idea of whether a cloud is a solid, liquid, or a gas as a discussion starter to spark student thinking.