Determination and Fostering of Students’ Model Competence Using Hands-On Tasks

In this project, hands-on-tasks were designed based on the structure of scientific modeling by Justi and Gilbert (2002). Doing so, an appropriate epistemological understanding and understanding about the nature of science can be promoted (e.g. Schwarz & White, 2005). Psychomotor skills and verbal aspects of model competence (Upmeier zu Belzen & Krüger, 2010) can be determinated while solving the hands-on-tasks using the Multi-Method Interview which consists of the three components interview, thinking aloud and videography (Wilson & Clarke, 2004). Afterwards, supportive impulses for model competence can be derived from individual development patterns.