Historical Development of a Scientific Model

Physics 312 -- Teaching Physics from the Historical Perspective
Illinois State University Physics Teacher Education Program
Carl J. Wenning, Program Coordinator
Spring Semester 2002

Course Objective Assessed: (5a) The student will describe and explain the historical development of a model (e.g., solar system, atom, heat, light, gravitation, etc.) that shows the tentative nature of science and the evolution of scientific thought in a social context, explains how empirical approaches were used to determine the relative correctness of those models, and relate the role of applied science and technology to advancing scientific frontiers.

A knowledge of the historical development of scientific models helps students to understand the mutable nature of science. The "truth" of one generation may not constitute the "truth" of the next generation. Sometimes there are valid alternative explanations in the absence of empirical data. Models, hypotheses, and theories can be changed overnight with the application of new technologies. These changes are readily observed in the progression of ideas in physics. In this essay, you will pick one scientific concept, and describe the nature of progression of models to explain that concept, referring to the empirical data that lead to the modification or complete demise of an earlier model in favor of a later model. In your essay you should include answers to the following and similar questions:

1. Describe a historical progression of models used to explain a particular scientific concept (e.g., solar system, atom, heat, light, gravitation, etc.)
2. Explain why the models you have chosen to explain are scientific models.
3. Describe predictions based upon various models, and explain how subsequent observations either contributed to the support of the model or led to its demise.
4. If new technologies played an important role in distinguishing one model from another, or were used to refine a model, then describe that technology and the role it played in the historical development of the models you have chosen.

General Criteria:

Each essay must satisfy the following general criteria:

• Paper is typed double space, using a12-point Times font or similar
• 3-4 pages in length
• Makes appropriate use of grammar
• Logically presented
• Shows evidence of reflection
• Accurate
• Contains not less than three references
• Turned in on time
• Satisfies stated objective for essay (see above)

Grading Rubric with Detailed Criteria

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