Most students are not going to become professional scientists, fewer still are going to become physicists. Yet all students will live in a world full of science and technology - every minute of every day of their lives will be touched by science and technology in some way. It is critically important that our citizens have a sophisticated understanding of the methods, philosophy, and practice of science. The idea that there is such a method, or that memorizing the steps can be helpful, is anathema to practicing physicists. The Physics Teacher, Vol.
Science is a complex, wonderful, and highly successful enterprise.
Teachers like it, since it is very testable. On the other hand, having tried to improve on the text's presentation, I have a much deeper respect for the enormity of the problem. In particular, I now realize that my earlier efforts suffer from much the same problems as the 5-step scientific method, just in a different guise. Here are some interesting quotes on science and scientific method . A Scientific Attitude - is extremely important.