Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to a plethora of information published in the media. Conceived as a socioscientific issue of great relevance currently, this article highlight the educational potential of some media news about the pandemic to reflect and learn about the nature of science (NOS). To this end, a theoretical foundation is first presented regarding the reading of science news published in the media as an educational resource to learn about NOS. Secondly, a proposal is presented on how this might be addressed in the science classroom. The proposal is illustrated by four news items, intentionally selected as examples, which have been published in the Spanish digital press. The aspects of NOS that are discussed in the context of the news items selected are: tentativeness of scientific knowledge, role of error in scientific research, role of debate in the development of science, importance of models and modelling in scientific research, and ethics in science.
Highlights
La pandemia mundial de la COVID-19, provocada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, ha dado lugar a una gran cantidad de información publicada en los medios
While this kind of person bases their arguments in false beliefs and assumptions (Fackler 2021), knowledge of nature of science (NOS) tells that science is based on evidence and its theories must overcome many verification tests through rigorous evaluation processes before they are accepted by the scientific community
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the proliferation of pseudo-scientists offering miracle cures for the disease, to people who deny the existence of the coronavirus, anti-vaccinationists, etc
Summary
La pandemia mundial de la COVID-19, provocada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, ha dado lugar a una gran cantidad de información publicada en los medios. It is important to first examine what their didactic potential is (García-Carmona 2014), i.e., to assess whether the scientific content covered in a news item is accessible for the students to whom it will be taught in classroom, whether it is conducive to reflection on certain aspects of NOS, whether it can be integrated with other content and activities of the science subject program, etc.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
