What makes science "science"? 

A panel discussion

Secondary School Science Teaching Methods

You have three tasks:

1. Read the following:
   1. Popper, “Conjectures and Refutations”
   2. Lightman, “Time for the Stars” (listed as “Lightman 2” on the ereserve)

(These readings are found on ereserve, accessible from the course webpage under “Readings”.  You may also get to them directly at http://ereserve.weber.edu/coursepage.asp?cid=661.)

2. Answer the following questions (briefly, no more than one page, typed):
   1. What is “science”?
   2. What is the purpose of science?
   3. What is the purpose of science education?

    

3. Come prepared to discuss these on Monday.  An “expert panel” of four of your peers will be assigned to do even more reading than you, and be able to represent different points of view.  These people will “lead” the discussion.  (Don’t worry, later you’ll have your chance to do extra work and be the focus of extra scrutiny, too!)