Our science curriculum leaves much to be desired. Many people, even those who graduate with technical degrees, often have many misconceptions about scientific theories.
I've been thinking about this since I read this entry in
nightning's journal, and watched the
associated presentation from Jonathan Dori.
The main point, I believe, of the presentation is that we need more hands-on teaching/learning mechanisms if we are to form proper mental-models of the notions in science. It has always been my belief that all types (N and S) benefit from having hands-on instruction.
But, then I got to thinking that the reason science education isn't more hands-on is due to the expense of the equipment it would take for hands-on learning.
So what is the next best substitute?
I think, it is cranking through the actual equations involved in a theory. Here, you don't need spend too much more money. You just need to be willing to use your mind, and perhaps gain access to a local university library.
For instance, one of the questions posed in the discussion is "why is that it is warm in the summer and cold in the winter?"
So, people, why do you think this is true? Let's field some theories. Please, make your model as explicit as possible, and give some reasons for why you believe it is accurate.