ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some of the nature of science (NOS) aspects along with historical episodes as found in science textbooks, in order to facilitate a better understanding of the scientific enterprise. To summarize, discussion of the oil drop experiment and its presentation in textbooks can help students to understand that in the face of anomalous data, a scientist perseveres with his presuppositions, namely an understanding of the theory-laden nature of experimental observations. Importantly, a discussion of the interpretations of alpha particle experiments can help students to understand that the same experimental data can be interpreted differently leading to controversies. It is important to provide students with examples of how science is not a simple collection of facts and data drawn from specific historical contexts, to facilitate their understanding that there is no universal step-wise scientific method. The role of refutations and falsifications has been the subject of considerable debate in the history and philosophy of science literature.
