| The purpose of this study was to determine the alternative conceptions three students have about plate tectonics and to discover how these conceptions change during instruction. I selected three seventh grade students to participate in this multiple case study. Data were collected and analyzed from concept maps, interviews, and classroom artifacts. Three major categories or themes of alternative conceptions kept reoccurring in the data as a result of within- and cross-case analyses: Visualizing Plate Tectonics, Recreating Theories, and Coping With Dissonance. I also found reoccurring patterns of conceptual changes made by the students concerning plate motions, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains.; This study confirmed the existing research which states that students come to the classroom with ideas about science which they have constructed from their personal experiences and which have shaped their thinking of the world. A student's pre-existing conception may not be aligned with the scientific community.; This study clearly authenticated that presenting information in different formats such as models, drawings, graphic organizers, and videos helped students proceeded through the activities, they recognized that it was their responsibility to reconstruct their existing ideas.; This study vividly indicated that with careful instruction based on the constructs of the conceptual change model, the participants were able to cope with the dissonance and to recreate new conceptions of plate motions, earthquakes, mountains, and volcanoes. Providing students with an ample number of hands-on experiences helped them to construct intelligible, plausible, and fruitful knowledge which is very similar to scientific views on the topic.; The research has shown that students' conceptions are important and should be considered by teachers even though their concepts may not parallel those of scientists. Further research stemming from the results of this study should focus on alternative conceptions and conceptual changes of plate tectonics. |
