I: Why is it hotter in the summer and colder in the winter? Think about this question for a moment. Open a blank document and write down your explanation (yes, physically!) to answer this question.
II: Watch the video “Mechanism of the Seasons.” Was your explanation correct?
III: Even the brightest students in your class have misconceptions on some science concepts. This is no surprise. Watch the famous video “A Private Universe”, produced by Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in the 1980s (click the video icon of the first one. It is about 20min long).
IV: Reflect on the fact that many students have an variety of misconceptions, many of which persist even after targeted instruction. Share your thoughts on the Discussion Board on Blackboard. (You may address questions such as “How would you identify your students misconceptions? Where do you think these misconceptions come from? What would you do to address their misconceptions? What if (some of) their misconceptions do not go away after your instruction?”)
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