• Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.20-33
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the scientific activities of scientists justifying Wegener's continental drift in the 20th century, which is explained as a revolutionary process in earth science, and methodologically analyze the strategy of proposing new scientific theories and how the process of theory selection is carried out. Previously, the Earth was a static model and only the vertical movement of the crust was considered. However, the theory of continental drift proposed horizontal movement of the crust as a dynamic model of the Earth, eliminating numerous problems. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the rational activities of numerous scientists until the current plate tectonics theory was formed. Additionally, the theory of continental drift is in conflict with the theory of Earth shrinkage, which is an existing static model. In other words, it deviates from the existing mechanistic world view by presenting a dynamic model in which the Earth is created and changes, as opposed to a static model in which the Earth is already completed, fixed, and unchanged. As a result, old geology was weakened and new geophysics was born. The theory of continental drift and continued exploration by subsequent generations of scholars brought about a revolution in earth science. This can be said to be a good subject of investigation as educational material for various methodologies for students in earth science education, and as educational material for changing students' worldview.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.45-57
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• 2019

NOS education through the history of science is regarded effective. However, science teaching has been criticized for not considering the interest of the learners enough and providing the context of learning themes that hinder the understanding of NOS. This study intends to convey the NOS element through the rich context of storytelling. The theme of the story is the history of continental drift, in which, the debate of many scientists and Wegener's creativity are prominent. Of the various media that deliver storytelling, the most powerful medium that leads to personal immersion is computer games, and among many kinds of games, the main genre of storytelling is role-playing games (RPGs). We developed the science history role-playing game (SHRPG) focusing on continental drift. The game development procedure followed Kim's 4F process (2017), which consists of the Figure Out, Focus, Fun Design, and Finalize. The story was constructed based on the NOS elements of Lederman et al. (2002), namely creativity and imagination demand, subjectivity, socio-cultural personality and tentativeness, which are all present in the story of the continental drift theory. The mechanics and rules of the RPG included quests, rewards, quizzes, NOS scores, and rankings. In the final phase of development, the game developed was pilot tested four times. The results of the tests showed that students' understanding of NOS through SHRPG has increased, especially in the creativity domain. The students' satisfaction with the fun, sympathy, and immersion during the game was very high.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.533-539
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• 2023

This article reviews a few academic discussions in our geological society. The author presents his opinion on the discussions regarding the ages of the Okcheon Group, Myogog Formation, and hominid footprints of the Jeju Island, as well as on the inaccurate reportage in mass media. The academia advances via healthy debates and discussions. The arguments for and against Darwin's "Origin of Species" and scientific debates regarding Wegener's "Continental Drift Hypothesis" are well known. In academic debates or discussions, authority should not be involved in any form. Academic research should be conducted based on scientific principles and evidence-free of personal preferences or other nonacademic factors. Opponents should challenge with scientific approaches, suggesting alternatives based on science. Opposition without scientific basis is not productive in conducting academic research in search of scientific truth. Often, the news media delivers inaccurate information to the public-intentionally or unintentionally. There must be a mechanism to immediately identify and rectify inaccurate, false, or fake information for the benefit of the public and the credibility of the news media.