Nature of Science

SCIENCE

Abstract

Science is generally known as the study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world and society , is a course offered in institutions of learning and its literacy is highly in doubt since it was discovered that learners only memorize facts and do not internalize scientific concepts that would positively create an impact in the society at large . Many reform organizations have come up and all their efforts are centered towards an effective understanding of science and its practicability . Science encompasses both the Nature of science

(NOS and scientific Inquiry I fully agree with Lederman that a proper understanding and distinction of the two concepts and their interpretations would create practicability amongst learners

Generally , Science as a subject is complex and literacy in science in the current world is relevant only if scientific knowledge can be applied positively in the day to day development of a society . Current efforts to ensure the science fraternity digests and internalizes science concepts are up in hand for instance the National Science Education Standards and Project 2061 (AAAS ) in the U .S . This reform organization stresses on two highlighted areas that is firstly Nature of Science and secondly scientific inquiry . These two concepts over the years have given students trouble , although and understanding of the two as discussed below would enhance an understanding of Science (Klopfer 1969

Nature of Science on the other hand is broad and because of this scientists have not been able to come to an agreement on the most proper definition of Nature of Science (NOS . Nature of Science involves a background knowledge that is scientific this knowledge can be changed based on observing the world in its nature or by being subjective . These subjective and objective results can only be attained by observation inference and by assessing theories and laws . Scientists also have to be creative , innovative and inventive rather than mastering concepts (Lederman , 1998

Scientific inquiry is an extension of scientific processes , and includes collection , collation and analysis of raw data , and finally building a conclusion from the whole process , this provides a link between these processes and background knowledge in Science . Hence refers to all efforts by scientists to answer their inquiries . Scientific inquiry is of three forms descriptive , correlational and experimental . The kind of research that defines the variables used is descriptive , correlational research is sometimes consequential of descriptive research and experimental results involves carrying out tests and investigations based on a hypothesis to prove a theory (Lederman , 1998

References

Norman G . Lederman (1998 . The State of Science Education : Subject Matter without Context Electronic Journal of Science Education V3 N2- December , 1998 - Editorial - Lederman .htm

Nature Of Science (NOS...