Astrobiology study helps emphasise the creative side of science: video

Drawing on a recent research report, Hidden in the Figures: What Students Are Telling Us About the Effectiveness of Astrobiology Outreach, PhD candidate and research assistant Isabelle Kinglsey explains in this video how students' understanding of the nature of science was challenged through the study of astrobiology.

UNSW researchers analysed students' written responses before and after they participated in the Mission to Mars program and found evidence of "cognitive conflict" – in other words, the students' understanding of what science is and entails was being challenged, particularly the role of imagination and creativity.

The research findings have implications for how science is taught both now and in the future.