Abstract:
In this study, the effects of a documentary and a biographical film, which was watched in an informal
environment, on the prospective science teachers’ nature of science (NOS) views were examined. The
study conducted according to the mixed research methodology. The data were obtained through the
open-ended questionnaire prepared by considering the consensus aspects of the NOS. The participants
were shown a documentary-style biographical film about a cross-section of the life of a famous
scientist. The findings show that there are changes in the participants' views on some of the consensus
aspects of the nature of science. Some of these were in the desired direction, but the retention was
weak. Also, some of the changes are in an undesirable direction such as to create a science myth.
According to the results, it can be thought that films adapted from the history of science can be used to
teach the nature of science. Since films produced for different purposes such as art and entertainment
may cause problems in teaching the nature of science, it can be suggested to use such films in a more
structured learning environment.
