Zooming in the Timeline: Investigation of the Case of Pseudo-Archimedes by Preservice Teachers

Abstract

The study proposed an inquiry-based activity for an undergraduate History of Science (HOS) course. The activity aimed to promote collaboration, engagement, and motivation among students from various disciplines. The participants in this activity were 40 undergraduate students enrolled in different teaching programs at a private university. The course followed a timeline approach to teaching HOS, supplemented by weekly research questions and short activities. The specific focus of this activity was to investigate whether Archimedes designed a water clock. Students worked in groups to conduct research on the question and develop a group claim based on the evidence they collected. The course discussions resulting from this activity yielded comprehensive outcomes that contributed to the course's timeline, covering the transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages. These discussions touched upon various historical events, including the closing of the Platonic Academy, the birth of the House of Wisdom, cultural and geographical factors in the translation movement, and the concept of pseudepigrapha. Importantly, the study noted that many of these events between antiquity and the Middle Ages were not commonly mentioned in traditional HOS course books. By engaging in this activity, participants were able to zoom into the timeline and uncover fascinating historical events. The research, collaboration, and discussions brought about a sense of excitement among the students. This activity demonstrated that incorporating such an approach can enhance the narrative nature of HOS courses. The success of the activity depends on the time allocated and the content of the course, suggesting that it could be tailored to different contexts and course objectives.