The problem of scientific misunderstandings among middle-school students is the target of a new instructional program from Britannica Digital Learning that aims to lead students to conceptual clarity by using the scientific method itself.
Chicago, Ill. (PRWEB) January 26, 2012
A Web-based program for the classroom, Britannica Pathways: Science was created in response to the growing body of research and teacher experience showing that confusions and misunderstandings continue to plague students even after they’ve been taught a scientific topic in school. These misunderstandings persist because they make sense to students based on their personal experiences.
“At certain times of the year the planet Venus looks no different to the naked eye from a star that is light-years away. As a result, many students have trouble distinguishing between the celestial bodies that reside within our solar system and the ones way beyond it,” said Dr. Kara Rogers, a Britannica science editor involved in the creation of the product. “Also, students sometimes take the illustrations they see in textbooks too literally. They come to believe that cells are flat and the color coding they see for electrons, protons and neutrons are the colors those particles really are.“
Britannica Pathways: Science combats these misunderstandings with collaborative, interactive exercises that engage students. Each Pathways lesson starts with a probing question designed to spark classroom discussion. Eventually the students process and identify the right concepts, not by being told the correct answers, but by testing their own ideas: collecting data, consulting sources, and using hands-on materials. Teachers facilitate the process but also allow their students to find the answers on their own.
Pathways is designed with the 21st century classroom and state standards in mind. During pilot tests in schools this year, teachers have praised the program’s collaborative nature as well as the way it helps meet standards for reading non-fiction.
The Pathways program is designed to supplement any science textbook or core curriculum. It consists of 10 modules for grades 6-8 and covers more than 100 major misconceptions in the earth and life sciences, physics and scientific reasoning and inquiry.
Schools and districts interested in Pathways or any other Britannica products can call 800-621-3900 or go to http://info.eb.com/science.
About Britannica Digital Learning
Britannica Digital Learning (BDL) is a division of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., providing reliable, high-quality classroom products and solutions for educators. BDL experts produce curriculum-correlated products for all ages from preschool to college that make creative of use of technologies widely used in schools today—such as interactive whiteboards and learner-response devices—making it easier for teachers to teach and for students to learn. Products include Britannica SmartMath, Pathways: Science, Britannica Online School Edition and Image Quest. More information is available at info.eb.com or 1-800-621-3900. The company makes its headquarters in Chicago.
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Tom Panelas
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
(312) 347-7309
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