The "Mantle of the Expert" as a didactic method in the context of teaching History of Science to elementary school children

This paper discusses the implementation of a didactic intervention of a two-cycle Action Research to nineteen sixth-grade students, aiming at teaching elements of physical sciences through the History of Science lens. Using the "Mantle of the Expert" as a teaching method, the intervention is based on a cross-curricular and project-based approach in a dramatic context. Based on the ‘Mantle of the Expert’ stages, enriched further with specific drama techniques, concepts and themes from the History of Science are examined experientially. In addition, a moral and critical evaluation of Science regarding human life is attempted. The evaluation of the intervention is conducted regarding the effectiveness of the "Mantle of the Expert" as a didactic method as well as the level of achieving the learning goals.