Will it Float?

by: Jeff Major

Student preconceptions are one of the greatest challenges we face as science teachers. This Predict, Explain, Observe, and Explain (PEOE) activity challenges students’ preconceived notions about why matter floats or sinks when placed in a liquid. The idea behind this model is to do a demonstration that first confirms students’ conceptions followed by a second, similar demonstration that provides discrepant information creating cognitive dissonance. Learning happens as students are forced to modify their conceptions so that their view of how things work is not in conflict with what they are seeing.

Details

Type Journal ArticlePub Date 10/1/2006Stock # ss06_030_02_22Volume 030Issue 02

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Sehar Sohail
Sehar Sohail

Buoyancy Feedback

This resource is a great exercise in getting to know buoyancy. It is not enough for students to simply read textbooks and fill out worksheets. This resource helps layout a wonderful activity... See More

Tina Harris (Fairmount, IN)
Tina Harris (Fairmount, IN)

Comparing density of solid to liquid water

The author uses a discrepant event, the difference between the density of liquid and solid water, to help students to understand the nature of the particle theory of matter and density. It i... See More

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