The Card Exchange: Introducing the Philosophy of Science

Abstract

We personally have found the card exchange activity to be an effective method of drawing our students into the philosophy of science, a subject they heretofore resisted. It capitalizes on the innate gregariousness of students and the diversity of opinion among students. A set induction is, however, only the beginning of a lesson. The effectiveness of what happens afterwards depends on how well one can hold the attention captured during the set induction. Obviously there is a need for many creative instructional strategies if the philosophical preparation of preservice science teachers is to be effective.