DIGGING UP THE REAL DEAL: USING AUTHENTIC MULTI-YEAR FIELD GEOLOGY INVESTIGATIONS TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION ON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE OF SCIENCE

Engaging in authentic geologic field research is an inquiry method that encourages high school students to use data as evidence to learn about geologic history. Furthermore, this type of research experience has the potectial to increase students' intuitive understanding of the nature of science (NOS). The goal of the current study was to determine if conducting authentic field research and giving high school students the opportunity to present findings to adult audiences outside the school setting, enhances students' understanding of NOS. In addition, we were also interested in understanding what aspects of the research are particularly meaningful to students and if conducting the research affects how they view science.

Findings from NOS surveys and semi-structured interviews suggest that conducting original research had a positive influence on students' views of NOS. Additionally students found meaning in aspects of the investigation such as relying on data they acquired and analyzed themselves to solve a local geologic puzzle, sharing the results of the investigation with other geology researchers and the general public, and having someone outside of the school setting care about their findings. This type of authentic field investigation is significant because recent reforms in science education stress the importance of engaging students in the practice of science and learning about the nature of scientific knowledge.