NOS Through the Power of Scientists’ Stories

The authors of this article use the power of scientists’ stories to help students understand the nature of science (NOS). They use two stories. One is about Mendeleev and how he created the... See More

The authors of this article use the power of scientists’ stories to help students understand the nature of science (NOS). They use two stories. One is about Mendeleev and how he created the first periodic table of elements, and the other is about the use of fraudulent aspirin in the early 1900s. The second story progresses to an aspirin lab where students are told they are government scientists in post-World War I America. They have to come up with a way to distinguish fake aspirin from the real stuff. Students bring closure to their lab experiences by make a formal presentation of their findings. Both of the stories engage students in the thought processes that scientists throughout history have practiced. There are enough details and outside resources provided for teachers to help them feel competent and confident enough to use these stories in their own classrooms. The authors show how sharing the history of various scientific discoveries or historically significant events can serve as great motivators for students and generate more interest and participation in science.