Using Anecdotes from the History of Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics to Illustrate General Aspects of Nature of Science

Abstract

The previous chapter featured a description and classification of the variety of ways that history of science (HOS) could be used to teach aspects of the nature of science. This chapter provides more detail about one such strategy, the use of anecdotes or short illustrations from the history of science. Blending these short stories will stimulate student interest and provide context for teaching and learning about that history and provide opportunities for exploring underlying NOS lessons. This chapter describes the History of Science Anecdote Approach and provides sample stories from biology, chemistry, geology, and physics for each of the nine key NOS elements (such as evidence, shared methods, theory/law distinction, creativity, etc.) described the the chapter “Principal Elements of NOS.”