Watch-Think Over-Discuss: An Activity Sample Regarding the Teaching of Socio-Scientific Issues

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to elaborate on a sample activity in socio-scientific issues. For this purpose, an activity that lasted for 80 minutes (2 periods) was developed. The implementation process is reported in this paper. The first dimension of the implementation process begins with the tracking of videos that will reflect two different views on the subject of socio-scientific issues (Watch). Then by using opinion development technique, the students are encouraged to think about these issues (Think Over). Finally, the students are involved in the classroom discussion process (Discuss). At the end of this study, nearly all of the students reported positive opinions about the activity and they gained knowledge about the subject. Students also reported that their argumentation and decision making skills are the most developed skills during the process. This activity will be an example teaching module for teachers and pre-service science teachers.

Keywords

• socio-scientific issues
• opinion development technique
• middle school students