The Teaching of Science in Public Schools
Science is an empirical, systematic enterprise that builds and organizes scientific knowledge in the form of predictions and testable predictions about the natural world. It is based on the discipline of natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) The advance of knowledge through scientific practice is the basis of modern society. Scientific endeavour has produced and promoted innumerable technologies that have made life easier, improved our standard of living, and increased our freedom to enjoy and provide for our needs.
The advances in science and technology have also had a major impact on the teaching of science in schools. As a result, science teachers have become more important than ever. Science teachers are charged with developing and implementing science lesson plans, preparing students for science fairs and other science-based activities, and evaluating the quality of their students’ performance in science classes. The effectiveness of a science teacher can be enhanced by adopting some effective science lesson planning techniques.
The teaching of science to young people through home schooling is an extremely successful strategy, providing an excellent foundation for furthering a career in science or mathematics. Home schooling is based on a philosophy of self directed learning where children are encouraged to learn independently using tools that they are able to afford. In addition to providing a valuable cognitive and communicative development opportunity, home schooling also provides the opportunity to inculcate certain values and virtues such as respect, self-control, responsibility, and teamwork. For this reason, home schooling is a good medium for imparting scientific values such as sound reasoning, dedication to the principles of science, responsibility to others, and the importance of using scientific methods and techniques to learn and solve problems. There is also a strong connection between science education and values. As young people learn about nature, history, and technology, they develop a set of values that will guide their choices as adults.
Effective science education requires the active involvement of students in the scientific process from conception to conception. For this purpose, teachers must be well informed about the physical, chemical, and logical nature of the subject matter, and should encourage students to participate actively in the process of science teaching. Teachers should encourage the natural growth of inquisitiveness and a willingness to experiment and explore. A good science education program should involve the entire student body in the process of scientific discovery.
The teaching of science education in public schools has come a long way in recent years. The National Standards for Professional Educations (NSPERS) now recommends that all states have adequate science education curriculum standards and that teachers provide a reasonable basis for offering instruction in science and mathematics to students. These standards are designed to ensure that the content is scientifically accurate, up to date, and useful in real world situations. In addition, teachers should present information about the significance of science to society. For example, the importance of using scientific methods and data in the process of doing business, society, and for scientific study.
The NSPERS program is part of a growing consensus in education circles in America and around the world that teachers should share some of the responsibility for the quality of science instruction. For this reason, many state governments, professional organizations, and other groups have been promoting the idea of creating a science education curriculum as an important element of education reform. The National Standards for Science, Technology, and Educational Research (NSTEM) also promote the teaching of basic science skills and the teaching of more advanced science concepts in K-12 and higher education. National Standards for Mathematics (NEMAP) and National Standards for Science Content (NICE) also recommend that science teachers give proper consideration to biological evolution in their lessons. For many educators, these recommendations represent a step forward in realizing the importance of a well-rounded science education.