Knowledge and Inquiry · JC 1

Active learning ideas

The Scientific Method and Falsification

This topic examines the engine of scientific progress: the scientific method. Students look at the traditional inductive approach (observing patterns to form laws) and the problems associated with it, such as the 'Problem of Induction.' They then pivot to Karl Popper's Falsificationism, which argues that science proceeds not by proving theories true, but by rigorously trying to prove them false.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• SEAB A-Level H2 Knowledge and Inquiry (9751): The Construction of Knowledge - Natural Sciences
• SEAB A-Level H2 Knowledge and Inquiry (9751): The Construction of Knowledge - Scientific Methods and Methodology

• 20–60 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 45 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Black Swan Challenge

Groups are given a 'rule' (e.g., 'all metals expand when heated') and must design an experiment specifically intended to *disprove* it rather than confirm it, illustrating Popper's falsification.

What makes a discipline scientific?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Induction in Daily Life

Students identify one thing they 'know' through induction (e.g., 'the sun will rise tomorrow'). They then pair up to explain the logical leap they are making and how a 'falsificationist' would view that same belief.

How does falsification strengthen scientific claims?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Mock Trial
• 60 min · Whole Class

Mock Trial: Is it Science or Pseudo-science?

Students 'put on trial' various fields (e.g., Astrology, Psychology, Physics) using Popper's criteria. They must argue whether the field's claims are actually falsifiable and therefore 'scientific.'

Is the scientific method universally applicable?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Social Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Science 'proves' things to be 100% true.

  Science provides the best current explanation that hasn't been falsified yet. Using 'Station Rotations' to look at discarded scientific theories (like Phlogiston) helps students see the provisional nature of scientific knowledge.

• Falsifying a theory means the scientist failed.

  In Popper's view, falsification is a success because it narrows down the truth. Peer discussion of 'failed' experiments that led to breakthroughs can help correct this mindset.

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle
• Think-Pair-Share
• Mock Trial