Nature of Science in science education

The natural sciences that are the basis of school-science has various marks and characteristics which set them apart from other sciences. Essential for this course is an in-depth understanding of the methods and practices used in science to attain knowledge. Central themes such as the testing of hypotheses, experiments, model development, verifiability, openness and critique are discussed with different teaching methods such as lectures, practical exercises and seminars. This course will also discuss the limits of scientific knowledge and issues linked to the validity of knowledge.

KNOWLEDGE

The student

• has in-depth knowledge on the nature of science with emphasis on the scientific method and how science advances
• has knowledge of Indigenous knowledge systems
• has knowledge on critical thinking as part of science
• has knowledge on legitimations for nature of science as a theme in school-science and on the pupils’ understanding of nature of science
• has in-depth knowledge on the difference between science and pseudoscience
• has knowledge of various approaches to teaching the nature of science in schools

SKILLS

The student

• can use knowledge on nature of science in teaching
• can apply knowledge about how to teach the nature of science in their own teaching
• can identify nature of science as themes within curricula, teaching resources and media
• can use knowledge on the frontiers of science in teaching of school-science
• can use controversial issues in science to enhance the understanding of how scientific knowledge develops

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The student

• can use scientific knowledge in different societal settings in mindful ways

Lectures, seminars, student presentations,