Alternative Conceptions in Animal Classification Focusing on Amphibians and Reptiles: A Cross-Age Study.

摘要: This study examined students’ alternative conceptions of reptiles and amphibians the extent to which these remain intact through elementary (grades 4 6), junior, senior high school years. We administered multiple-choice free-response instruments a total 513 students interviewed at least 20 each educational level get an in-depth view their original conceptions. Then, we developed two-tier multiple choice diagnostic instrumentto assess various levels understanding reptiles(N=1267). The results showed that most were able classify snakes as reptiles, whereas fewer than 30% across different ages classified sea turtles reptiles; remaining 70% amphibians. More correctly frogs toads. In instances, “prototypical” representatives two animal classes more readily less exemplary representatives, finding supports previous research (Trowbridge, J.E. andMintzes, J.J. (1988). Alternative in classification: A cross-age study. Journal Research Science Teaching, 25(7), 547–571). Interestingly, views remained throughout Interview data indicated largely because are live terrestrial aquatic habitats. Semantically, “amphi” means living on land water. When asked distinguish between several species into those groups, wide range emerged origin discussed. Similar obtained when applied instrument reptiles.