Controversies in the history of geology and their educational importance for facilitating understanding of the nature of science

Abstract

Abstract Controversies in the history of geology are inherently interesting to students, and offer an effective method for conveying the scientific process and the cultural and social influences under which science progresses. Historical controversies can also address the basic understandings of the nature of science (NOS), which students need in order to develop an authentic understanding of the scientific process. Four controversial vignettes in the history of geology are overviewed: Agassiz's Glacial Theory, Darwin's theory on reef formation, the Cope–Marsh dinosaur wars and Byrd's flight over the North Pole. The controversies are analysed using the NOS matrix to demonstrate their effectiveness for teaching the nature of science via historical episodes in geology. Surveys of practising teachers also provide further documentation for the importance of historical controversies in the science classroom, as well as student interest in them.