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Relevant CAT: Interviews

Discipline: Interdisciplinary

Description:
This semi-structured, open-ended interview asks students a set of 20 questions that are intended uncover their pre-conceptions on the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, and acid rain. This interview protocol was used to develop a misconceptions diagnostic survey also on this site (see the Survey on the Greenhouse Effect, Ozone Depletion, and Acid Rain for more details.) Developed by Khalid (1999).


 Tool:
Main Questions:
  1. What do you think about when you hear the term “Greenhouse Effect?”
  2. What do you think causes the greenhouse effect?
    • Is it completely due to human activities?
      (If the student says no, then ask the following questions)
    • It means there are some natural causes as well. Can you name some of them?
      (If the student says yes, ask)
    • What kind of human activities? Can you name some of them?
    • If students try to connect ozone layer depletion as one of the causes of greenhouse effect, ask why they think so.
  3. Draw a diagram that shows how greenhouse effect works.
  4. What are the consequences of greenhouse effect on human beings and on the planet earth? (If they think it is a problem, ask:)
  5. How can we reduce the greenhouse effect?
  6. What do you think about when you hear about the term “Ozone?”
    (Students may give both positive or negative answers)
  7. What is the ozone layer?
    *Does society have concerns about ozone?
  8. What is the main cause of ozone depletion?
  9. Do you know of any household items that may cause ozone depletion?
    *(If students answer CFCs, ask:) Do you know how it affects an ozone molecule?
  10. Draw a diagram of how the ozone works in the atmosphere.
  11. Do you know any effects of ozone depletion on human beings or on other type of life on the planet?
  12. What can we do to reduce the depletion of the ozone?
  13. What do you think about when you hear the term “Acid Rain?”
  14. What is the pH of the normal rainwater? What is the pH of the acid rain?
  15. Why does rain become acidic? Do you know any responsible factors that make the rain acidic?
  16. What are the consequences of acid rain for human beings or for other forms of life on the planet?
  17. Does the greenhouse effect cause acid rain?
  18. Where do you get information that helps form your understanding of these environmental issues?

Reprinted with permission from Tahsin Khalid.

Authors:

Tahsin Khalid (School of Education, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO)


Selected References:

Khalid, Tahsin. (1999). The Study of Pre-Service Teachers' Alternative Conceptions Regarding Three Ecological Issues. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Boston, Massachusetts. http://www.educ.sfu.ca/narstsite/conference/khalid/khalid.html

Dove, J. (1996). Student teacher understanding of the greenhouse effect, ozone layer depletion and acid rain. Environmental Education Research. 2,89-100.


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