Parents Symposium (Upper Primary Science) Science Department

Parents Symposium (Upper Primary Science) Science Department

PRESENTATION OUTLINE Alternative Conceptions in Science Possible causes of alternative concepts Thinking skills to correct alternative concepts Tips for parents

What are they? Alternative concepts refers to ideas that people have which are inconsistent with scientifically acceptable ideas. The term 'misconception' is also sometimes used.

Why do they appear? Students come to science classes with prior ideas. Ideas formed through: personal observations interpretations of everyday natural and physical phenomena the media conversations with others

Themes in UP Science Systems (P5) Cycles (P5) Energy (P6) Interactions (P6)

Primary 5 (Systems)

Topic : Plant transport system Water is transported up the plant while food is transported down the plant.

Fruits here need food from the leaves above it, too! Leaves here need water too! Concept: Water is transported from the roots to the leaves. Food is transported from the leaves to all parts of the plant.

Topic : Respiratory System Our respiratory system is important because it helps us to breathe.

No structures to cause lung to increase in size to make space for air coming in. Concept: The diaphragm and the ribcage work together to help us breathe in and out.

Topic : Cell System Chloroplast trap light for photosynthesis.

FUNCTION Traps light for photosynthesis STRUCTURE CHLOROPHYLL Concept: The chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which traps light for photosynthesis ANALOGY: Do you wear the clothes or the wardrobe?

Primary 5 (Cycles)

Topic : Reproduction in Plants All flowers will develop into fruits.

Only I can become a fruit. Concept: Not all flowers have the female parts. Only flowers with female parts can develop into fruits.

Topic : The Water Cycle Seawater evaporates into water vapour.

Coloured water was heated to simulate the heating of the ocean water. However, colourless water droplets formed at the base of the pan. Where did the food colouring go? Concept: Water in seawater (or any other types of impure water) evaporated to form water vapour.

Primary 6 (Energy)

Topic : Energy in Food When iodine solution is added, the leaf turns blueblack when starch is present.

Leaves contain green chlorophyll Chlorophyll does not react with iodine solution. Chlorophyll trap light to make food. Sugar, which is produced, is stored as starch. Starch reacts with iodine solution Concept: The iodine solution turns blue-black in the presence of starch. Leaves remain green; iodine solution stays brown Iodine solution turns blueblack.

Topic : Energy changes The friction force is converted to heat energy when the car is moving.

Concept: Friction is a force. Force cannot be converted into other forms of energy. However, energy can be converted from one form to another.

Primary 6 (Interactions)

Topic : Living together Frogs and tadpoles of the same species belong to different populations.

A population consists of all the organisms of the same kind that live and reproduce in a particular place. [PSLE Revision Guide, Page 187] Concept: Frogs and tadpoles belonging to the same species belong to the same population because tadpoles will develop into frogs.

Topic : Food Chains and Food Webs Plant is a prey because it is eaten by the herbivores.

A prey is an ANIMAL that is being hunted and eaten by another animal. [PSLE Revision Guide Page 215] Concept: Plant is a producer. It is not a prey even though it is eaten by the herbivores or the omnivores. Prey and predators are consumers.

Topic : Adaptations for Survival Plant with needle-like leaves loses less water because there is no stomata on the leaves.

What is one of the functions of the stomata? Concept: The smaller surface area of the leaves has less number of stomata. Thus, there is less amount of water lost as water vapour.

Topic: Man s Impact on the Environment Ozone does not allow heat to escape from the earth. It causes global warming.

Concept: Global warming occurs when the heat cannot escape into space and is trapped by the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

How can parents help?

Roles as parents Avoid assumptions. Allow your child to explain (their thought process) how he/she arrives to that alternative concepts. Assist your child in consolidating the Science knowledge and concepts.