Some students may believe that dinosaurs, cavemen and humans lived at the same time. However, there’s scientific evidence showing that it isn’t true.

This belief is an example of a misconception or an idea that some people have that is scientifically inaccurate. Most of our misconceptions are rooted in our experiences or our limited understanding of a topic.

By helping students recognize some common misconceptions about biology and life science, you can teach students how to challenge their own understanding and seek proof. Teachers play a crucial role in helping students seek out new knowledge to build upon their foundational knowledge.

We’re going to unpack a few of the most common misconceptions and the science behind the truth.

1. MISCONCEPTION: Seeds and eggs are not living things.
   We see seeds and eggs as immobile and not self-sustaining, which means able to maintain itself independently. This can lead students to assume that seeds and eggs are not alive until a stem emerges from the seed or the chick from the egg. By using a seed-to-flower activity, you can teach students about seed dispersal and successful germination.
2. MISCONCEPTION: Human growth is caused by cells getting larger.
   When a puppy grows into a dog, we cannot see its cells dividing with a naked eye. All we see is an animal getting larger. This can lead us to believe that cells get bigger to cause growth instead of dividing to grow. Use a model to illustrate the role of mitosis and differentiation in producing complex organisms like dogs.
3. MISCONCEPTION: Bacteria are bad.
   A lot of the bacteria photographs we see depict scary-looking organisms that make us sick, but not all bacteria are bad for us. While some bacteria are germs and spread disease, other bacteria are good and can help our bodies digest food and absorb nutrients. You can use plate streaking with yogurt to observe the number of good bacteria in your classroom.
4. MISCONCEPTION: If your dad is bald, you’ll be bald too.
   Male pattern baldness is a trait on the X chromosome, meaning it skips a generation and comes from your mother’s side. So, yes, if your dad is bald, there is a chance you might become bald. However, it is only a possibility, and there are other causes of baldness. Ask your students to create DNA family trees to discover their own genetic inheritance possibilities.

One of the most effective learning strategies with scientific misconceptions is to ask your students to record their thoughts before you reveal the truth. Present one of the common misconceptions above and have your students write down what they think is true or untrue about that statement.

In a supportive learning environment, always present the facts and the science behind the statement.