In the Trenches
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Using the History of Research on Continental Drift to Promote Learning of the Nature of Science
Posted: Jun 15 2026 by
Understanding the Nature of Science (NOS) is a foundational component of scientific literacy in geoscience education. A central NOS principle emphasized in the Next Generation Science Standards is that scientific knowledge is historically contingent and evolves through the refinement, rejection, and replacement of theories in response to new evidence and methods. However, students often perceive science as static and absolute. This paper presents a historically grounded instructional unit designed for an introductory physical geography course for pre-service secondary education majors. The unit integrates the historical development of continental drift and plate tectonics through early Earth theories, Alfred Wegener's continental drift hypothesis, and the later emergence of plate tectonics. Instruction emphasizes explicit historical framing, inquiry-based learning activities, and reflective writing tasks intended to support students' understanding of science as an evolving process of knowledge construction. A modified KWL framework is used to elicit students' prior conceptions and evaluate conceptual change. The paper describes the instructional design, assessment structure, and practitioner reflections from classroom implementation in an introductory undergraduate geoscience course and provides guidance for adapting the unit across instructional contexts. More
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About ITT
Cheryl Manning (OrbWeaver Consulting, LLC), Editor
In the Trenches (ITT) is an interactive online publication designed to provide a venue for NAGT members to learn about and discuss teaching strategies and resources, the work of NAGT committees, sections, and divisions, and other ideas relevant to Earth educators and education researchers. Articles are published online as they are finished, and each article includes a threaded discussion board and the opportunity to comment, ask questions of the author(s), and interact with other NAGT members. Access to the full articles and interactive discussions is a benefit of membership in the organization. Become a NAGT member today!
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In the Trenches seeks contributions about resources for teaching and learning, effective teaching strategies, successful advocacy efforts, professional development programs and opportunities, book reviews, profiles of geoscience educators and students, and other articles that would be of interest to our members. The online-native format allows for photos, videos, interactive visualizations and simulations, and links to external resources. The threaded discussions allow readers to comment on articles, and we ask authors to lead and participate in these discussions when their article is published.
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