Scientific Method - Yay or Nay

This article describes the controversy about using the scientific method. I think the author sums up the whole discussion with this statement...."In conclusion, the scientific method can be... See More

This article describes the controversy about using the scientific method. I think the author sums up the whole discussion with this statement...."In conclusion, the scientific method can be a useful tool for introducing students to the problem-solving nature of science." In other words, it can be a basis to science in the elementary and middle school level and older students can adapt it. Also, the scientific method is excellent for solving non-science problems.

An Argument for the Scientific Method

It still appears in textbooks and teachers are still teaching it but do we really need it or do scientists really use it. This article, dating back to 2004, justifies the teaching of the sc... See More

It still appears in textbooks and teachers are still teaching it but do we really need it or do scientists really use it. This article, dating back to 2004, justifies the teaching of the scientific method by saying "In conclusion, the scientific method can be a useful tool for introducing students to the problem-solving nature of scence.' This statement might be meant for elementary and possibly middle school grades when a more structured approach might be useful to get students started. In today's educational time the buzz word is "scientific inquiry." You have to learn to take steps before you can run. Is the teaching of the scientific method a way of taking steps to problem solving?.

Supporting the Scientific Method

The authors support the use of the scientific method as a way to provide younger students with a methodical way to solve problems, The authors note there are other "methods" in vogue which c... See More

The authors support the use of the scientific method as a way to provide younger students with a methodical way to solve problems, The authors note there are other "methods" in vogue which can also be mentioned or taught, but that for younger students the simplicity of this format gives them a place to start. I have seen other articles that present what might be viewed as "modified" scientific methods (called inquiry or discovery) which use many of the same terms but in different formats and in some of these formats give students more control of their learning. Also, since I am from a historical science, geology, I have to point out that the "scientific method" does NOT represent how all scientists work - it best represents empirical, rather than observational, sciences and by teaching it, I feel, we introduce more misconceptions than a useful format Therefore, I am not in favor of the authors' arguments.