This book discusses how to improve high school students' understanding
of research methodology based on alternative interpretations of data,
role of controversies, creativity and the scientific method, in the
context of the oil drop experiment. These aspects form an important part
of the nature of science (NOS). The study reported in this volume is is
based on a reflective, explicit and activity-based approach to teaching
nature of science (NOS) that can facilitate high school students'
understanding of how scientists elaborate theoretical frameworks, design
experiments, report data that leads to controversies and finally with
the collaboration of the scientific community a consensus is reached.
Most students changed their perspective and drew concept maps in which
they emphasized the creative, accumulative, controversial nature of
science and the scientific method.