Expanding students’ perceptions of scientists through the dramatic technique of Role on the Wall

Abstract

This paper highlights the use of a drama convention--"Role on the Wall"--to teach the Nature of Science (NOS) in a Year 7/8 classroom. Students were positioned as "expert" scientists re-investigating the science behind the sinking of the Wahine in a Mantle of the Expert unit. Students drew a "Role on the Wall" of a scientist. The inner body portion outlined characteristics they thought scientists have and in the outer portion they listed the tasks scientists do. This approach can support the teaching of NOS, as it provides opportunities for students to collaboratively construct understandings about scientists and their activities. Differences were noted between the visual language and the oral language used to describe scientists. Shifts in student understanding about scientists were also examined in relation to student comment from classroom discussion and student interviews.