Snail Trails and Science Tales: Inventing Scientific Knowledge

Abstract

In Western culture, people think of scientists as specialists at inventing knowledge of the world and how it works. Science knowledge is stories told by scientists. Theories are either compelling and accepted by other scientists and the public, or, if they lack elegance and believability, they are ignored or discarded. The authors assert that children can best communicate their science learning through a variety of communication strategies: written, oral, graphic and artistic means provide a richness unmatched by standardized tests. Although this article focuses on the situation and needs as found in California and the United States, the YES Science Project and its€ materials are available through Canadian 4-H.