Students failing to understand that science is creative

A newly published paper by ACA PhD student Jennifer Fergusson indicates even the best high school science students do not understand that creativity is an integral part of the scientific process.

Jennifer’s paper, “Astrobiology outreach and the nature of science: the role of creativity”, examines the effects of two programs: the Pathways to Space program at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, and the Mission to Mars program at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre, Melbourne.

The results suggest that the typical student attending these Mars research-related outreach activities is more interested in science than the average student but is lacking in understanding of some aspects of the nature of science. A significant increase was detected between students’ pre and post-visit understandings about the role of imagination and creativity in science and about social and cultural influences on science.

The study provides evidence that astrobiology outreach can lead to an increased understanding of the nature of creativity in science.

The paper is available online at http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/ast.2012.0873