7255.10 - Method in the Natural Sciences


Course number
7255.10
Title
Method in the Natural Sciences
ECTS
1.5
Purpose
In this course, students will • gain foundational knowledge on the history of and methods in the natural sciences • come to know and understand the characteristics of the fields in the natural sciences, both as scientific disciplines and as subjects in school • begin to understand teaching methods in the naturals sciences and try them in the public school • attain competence in analysing and interpreting data in the natural sciences
Content
1. The history of the natural sciences – a brief overview over physics and its methods. The more recent history of biology, geography and geology will also be discussed. 2. The methods of the natural sciences in the context of schooling (3 approaches/experiments) a. The swing time of a simple pendulum b. “The rocket flies further when filled with water!” c. The relationship between power, mass and movement (Newton’s 2. law) 3. The identity of physics, biology and geography/geology as school subjects. The instructors will present views on these three as school subjects and scientific disciplines. 4. Analysis and interpretation of data in the natural sciences. Various professional tools will be presented and explained; however, the emphasis will be on using spreadsheets, databases and the school. Students will work primarily with exemplary data.
Assessment method
Students choose the topics they want to work on in cooperation with the instructors, and the instructors must accept the topics before students commence working on them. 1. Students will make posters that relate to the history of physics, biology, geography or geology. 2. When working with how the methods in the natural sciences are taught in school, students will write a lesson plan and a discussion on how pupils learn to understand methods in natural science through these approaches and experiments. 3. Individually, students will write a short essay on how they view physics, biology and geography/geology as school subjects. 4. Students will analyse and interpret natural scientific data Internal examiners will be used. Grades are awarded on a Passed/Not passed basis.