A Private Universe

Professional Development > A Private Universe > 7. James Wandersee

Science

6-8, 9-12

James Wandersee

A professor of science education at Louisiana State Univ. explains that the focus on science facts over understanding leads to misconceptions.

Series Directory

A Private Universe

Credits

Produced by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. 1987.

ISBN: 1-57680-404-6

Programs

1 A Private Universe

This video brings into sharp focus the dilemma facing all educators: Why don't even the brightest students truly grasp basic science concepts? Interviews are held with high school students and Ivy League graduates asking them to explain what causes the seasons and the phases of the moon. Even the brightest students in the class have false ideas based on enduring misconceptions that traditional instructional methods cannot overcome.

2 Matt Schneps and Phil Sadler

The creators of A Private Universe describe their motivation for making the film. ***NOTE: Due to a video archive issue, this clip is unavailable, but visitors can view the clip as part of full version from 6:05 to 7:53 of the video below.***

3 Irwin Shapiro

The former head of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics reminisces about his role in getting Harvard to sign off on the film.

4 Joseph Novak

A Cornell University science education professor tells how misconceptions research grew from a study on the efficacy of auditory learning.

5 Bassam Shakhashiri

The head of the NSF Education Directorate, which funded A Private Universe in 1981, used the film to rebuild federal support for science education.

6 Joel Mintzes

The science education research director for the follow-on series Minds of Our Own discusses the research base for A Private Universe.

7 James Wandersee

A professor of science education at Louisiana State Univ. explains that the focus on science facts over understanding leads to misconceptions.

8 Heather Mars Talk

Heather Mars, the middle schooler in A Private Universe, recalls the reaction to the video and her subsequent experiences in education.

9 Heather Mars Q and A

Heather Mars, the middle schooler in A Private Universe, participates in a Q and A.

10 A Private Universe 20 Years Later

A session about the making of A Private Universe, with remarks from the creators, education leaders, and Heather, the former middle schooler featured in the film.

A Private Universe

James Wandersee

A professor of science education at Louisiana State Univ. explains that the focus on science facts over understanding leads to misconceptions.

Series Directory

Credits

Programs

1 A Private Universe

2 Matt Schneps and Phil Sadler

3 Irwin Shapiro

4 Joseph Novak

5 Bassam Shakhashiri

6 Joel Mintzes

7 James Wandersee

8 Heather Mars Talk

9 Heather Mars Q and A

10 A Private Universe 20 Years Later

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