I would like to recommend looking at the work of William McComas, Norman Lederman, and Abd-El-Khalick.
Lederman, N. G. (1992). Students' and teachers' conceptions of the nature of science: A review of the research. Journal of research in science teaching,29(4), 331-359.
Lederman, Norm G., et al. "Views of nature of science questionnaire: Toward valid and meaningful assessment of learners' conceptions of nature of science." Journal of research in science teaching 39.6 (2002): 497-521.
Abd-El-Khalick, F., & Lederman, N. G. (2000). Improving science teachers' conceptions of nature of science: a critical review of the literature.International journal of science education, 22(7), 665-701.
McComas, W. F., Clough, M. P., & Almazroa, H. (2002). The role and character of the nature of science in science education. In The nature of science in science education (pp. 3-39). Springer Netherlands.
From: Gold, Anne [mailto:Anne.U.Gold@COLORADO.EDU]
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 11:33 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Instrument testing Nature of Science Understanding/Practices
Hi all Geoed-researchers,
I am designing a research program for a small pilot program that will teach students about the nature of science. Do you have suggestions for a useful instrument that addresses this?
Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)