An exploration of common student misconceptions in science

This study formed the basis of an assignment for a teacher-training course. The objectives of the study were to define three scientific concepts and identify for each some of the misconceptions that students commonly have. Six students, representing three distinct age groups were interviewed, using a predetermined set of questions and activities for each concept. Student responses were recorded and evaluated in an attempt to understand what misconceptions were held by the students, how they acquired them. The study showed that the level of misconceptions varied between concepts. There appeared to be some patterns in the level and type of misconceptions between the three age groups, suggesting that a more rigorous study in this area would be of value. Science, misconceptions, teacher training, student