Within the context of a science classroom however, students need to be extra careful about the material they learn. Science is often considered its own language, and can easily be misunderstood. Students need training and practice in verifying information from various sources to ensure that they are learning factually correct information.
One game that I want to play with my students is called Fact or Fiction: Science Edition. This game show will pit students in groups against one another. They will be required to find a reputable source about a given topic. The first group to find an article backing their claim will get a point. The team with the most points wins. If their source is not credible according to scientific society, they don't get a point.
This will help my students learn where to research about scientific topics, and will also help them verify information they find on the internet.
Ugh. The struggles of academic science standards and requirements. Sources are so important and so easily incorrect or misguided. I really appreciate the careful consideration you are taking in showing your students were to find good, reliable information. Question though: have you ever really read and analyzed a Wikipedia page? The information on the vast majority of science topics is incredibly in-depth and provides more information than some textbooks do all at the ease of a computer. Most moderators for science Wikipedia pages are either scientists in the field of study or professors/teachers. Try and make an edit to any science page that lasts on the page longer than 24 hours. I'll give you $10 if you do. Really though, I do love the game idea. I'm going to steal that right away so credit to you for sure!!
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with this. I think implementing a game where students learn how to decipher what article or source is reputable or not, demonstrates how to properly use a web search engine. By having the students engage with correct and incorrect information, enforces the idea that just because you see something on the internet, doesn't make it true. ;)
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