Boy, Were We Wrong! Seeing Science as Story

GOALS:

To demonstrate how the scientific method drives the ever-changing history of science; an exciting story of discovery, conflict, disaster, and triumph. 

To introduce the scientific method as a path to clear and critical thinking in students.

DESCRIPTION:

A look at the theory of theory. On what theories do you and your children base their friendships – and entire lives?  What’s the difference between fact, theory, and belief?

An overview of hilarious theories once accepted as fact and how they were later disproven.  From “The Earth is flat,” to “Our brains are for making mucus,” the history of science is full of honest mistakes,  brilliant insights, and painstaking lab work.

A presentation of a variety of familiar historical novels for different age groups in which kids can pick out authentic scientific practices and beliefs of bygone eras.  

Finally, we’ll work with a set of strategies for adults to teach how the critical thinking skills and open-mindedness of science can be used in everyday life. This will include a classroom-ready list of quick challenges to sloppy thinking.

HANDOUTS:

• Engaging lesson plans on the history of science and the scientific method.
• An annotated bibliography of fictional works for different grade levels that dramatize the history of science for children.
• An annotated webography for further reference by adults and by children.

PRESENTERS:  

Kathleen Kudlinski is the author of the award-winning Boy, Were We Wrong! series The first two volumes, covering the history of astronomy and paleontology looks at the mistakes, mishaps and creativity that are part of scientific discovery.  Books on meterology and physiology will be released soon.  She is also the author of three dozen other children’s books. Kudlinski has also written weekly columns on the natural sciences for The New Haven (CT) Register. The author has years of experience in both science and self-contained classrooms and in leading successful writing workshops.

 AUDIENCE:  

Teachers, librarians and parents of children gr. 1-12

 TIME: 

50 minutes (half day workshop includes activities for participants)

COST:  $500 - $1400

Printable PDF: Seeing Science as Story