Preconceptions Summary
Student preconceptions (misconceptions, naïve understandings) are important for teachers to uncover, address, challenge and extend. These are commonly held (but not always scientifically accurate) ideas that children bring to the classroom. Students come to school with ideas about the world and science principles because of experiences and observations that have helped to shape those beliefs. Learners hang onto those ideas until multiple experiences cause them to question previously-held beliefs and to form new explanations.
Educators need to discover student preconceptions and be aware of the related scientifically accurate ideas. It is the teacher’s role to facilitate learning experiences that challenge inaccurate ideas, solidify developing ideas, and reinforce and extend scientifically accepted ideas. Knowing student preconceptions helps educators to ask probing questions and craft experiences to move students along to greater science understanding.
Below is a summary of the preconceptions and scientifically accurate ideas related to the Human Body unit:
*** Children have few preconceptions about bones, muscles, joints, and coordination. Typically, children have a very limited knowledge base of what makes up these body parts and their function.
Preconceptions about Bones:
Bones do not make the framework for our body.
Scientifically Accepted Ideas:
Bones are part of the skeletal system that forms a living framework for our bodies.
Preconceptions about Bones:
Bones stay the same and do not change from birth.
Scientifically Accepted Ideas:
Bones are living tissue and they grow and change shape as people grow.
Preconceptions about Joints:
Joints are the place where arms, legs, and fingers bend and are part of the bones.
Scientifically Accepted Ideas:
Joints are the place where two bones come together and are connected by a ligament.
Preconceptions about Muscles:
Muscles are only at work movement or exercise.
Scientifically Accepted Ideas:
Muscles are at work all the time. Even a resting muscle is contracting some of its fibers.
Preconceptions about Muscles:
Muscles lay on top of bones.
Scientifically Accepted Ideas:
Muscles are connected to bones by ropelike tissues that connect muscles to bone.
Preconceptions about Muscles:
Muscles are for performing acts of strength.
Scientifically Accepted Ideas:
The function of muscles is to perform all movements.
Preconceptions about Coordination:
Children believe that they run and catch a ball just because they can.
Scientifically Accepted Ideas:
Coordination is the harmonious actions of bones and muscles to produce desired movements.
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