How prospective mathematics teachers view the nature of science

The objective of this study is to determine how the history of science affects prospective mathematics teachers in their perspective on the nature of science, by trying to raise awareness among prospective teachers on "the history of science" and "scientific knowledge-obtaining process of scientists". The history of science and the processes whereby scientists obtain scientific knowledge was taught to participants in a course titled "The History of Science" for one semester, presented using a variety of activities. The results of this study suggested that the HOS courses, supported with a variety of activities, were relatively effective in enhancing the participants' NOS views. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Prof. Huseyin Uzunboylu.