The Role of Science in Everyday Life
Discuss about the Role of Science and Inclusion in Primary Education.
In everyday life, people apply technologies and use products produced scientifically. According to the study by University of Texas Arlington (2017, September 8) public policy for solving life issues are passed on the basis of scientific evidence. Additionally, Lederman & Abell (2014) argues the complex nature and the environment underlies scientific explanations. Currently, the world is under the control of technology (University of Texas Arlington, 2017 September 8), and hence insist on the need to equip with science based knowledge. By providing the children with scientific concepts increase their chance of success (NewScientist, 2016 August 12). It is crucial to expose young children to science as by so doing; it makes them develop an interest in science (NewScientist, 2016). Therefore, government need to put extra efforts to introduce science in the young children preferably starting at primary education (Harlen, 2017). For instance, the curriculum of Australia primary education has been revised to allow inclusion of the science education in the early stages of the school (Tytler, Symington, & Smith, 2011). In this study, the objectives will be to elaborate the contributions of science in solving the real-life issues and the importance of including science education in the early childhood education in the context of the curriculum of Australia.
Science is applied in everyday and everywhere. According to the “University of Texas Arlington” (Sep 8, 2017), there are various instances in which student apply science in the everyday activities. The examples of commonly used scientifically developed products include buses used to travel to school. Buses are products of complex mechanical engineering innovations and works. At school children uses the pavement, sidewalks, lighting systems and the infrastructures such as classroom designs depends on the scientific models (University of Texas Arlington, 2017 September 8). At home, the technologies used for communication and entertainment such as computers and smartphones get developed through engineering particularly computer and software engineering (University of Texas Arlington, 2017 September 8).
Science is the discipline of study that aims at providing the explanations regarding nature, how the natural process work, how it came to be and compiles knowledge from the past to the most recent ideas, analyse and proof or disapprove their claims after discoveries (Watson, 2013). The process of gathering evidence in science follows a set of procedures of engaging in questions, reviewing the available information to develop a decent explanation, then connecting the findings and relay a reliable, evidence-based information to the public (University of Texas Arlington, 2017 September 8). In the world, there are several questions regarding how the universe works. A majority of the problems get solved through scientific concepts and experiments (Watson, 2013). As such science should the subject to emphasise for the children since it imparts the knowledge used to solve the questions arising from the human natural curiosity instinct (Watson, 2013).
Importance of Exposing Young Children to Scientific Concepts
In the past days, science played a vital role in giving explanations such as the how chemicals reactions occur and the structures of organic and inorganic compounds (William, Smith & Hashemi, 2011). As a result, it is clear that in classical era, scientist used science to solve problems (Watson, 2013). For example, the ancient Greeks developed a calendar based on observation of moon and stars. From the invention of calendar, old farmers benefited as they were able to plan for the seasons and other activities. William, Smith & Hashemi (2011) argues that science played a vital role in the evolution and civilisation of humanity. For instance, through science humans discovered the patterns and the order of days, months and consequently the calendar. Therefore, Science education should be emphasised in schools as it explains the basic concepts and the origin and the purpose of civilisation (William, Smith & Hashemi, 2011).
In the modern days, there are several scientific and technological studies aimed at solving the chronic diseases and other complications affecting human beings (Okano & Yamanaka, 2014). One significant technology under development is about stem cell researches. The applications of the stem cells technology is a promising breakthrough in the field of biology (Okano & Yamanaka, 2014). In fact, in future scientists will be using this technology to cure diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, spinal injuries and Parkinson’s (Okano & Yamanaka, 2014). For instance, stem technology has been successfully applied and helped in the battle against leukaemia where the cells affected by leukaemia continually get replaced with healthy cells (Okano & Yamanaka, 2014). To be able to fight problems affecting the humanity in future science education is vital for the development of future problem solutions. In particular technology knowledge is a promising field for careers, and hence science education is the only road towards technology-based jobs.
Allen (2014) stated that there are several misconceptions in the primary education. Some students understand the concept in erroneously. “A misconception refers to a held belief regarding science and has not been scientifically proven to be true” (Gooding & Metz 2011). Further, Krisell (2015) related the sources of misconceptions emerge from use of poor language, lack of examples when explaining a concept, false logic, textbooks and inefficient teaching style. The effects of misconceptions results to children developing negative attitude towards science subject hence poor performances (Gooding, & Metz, 2011).
According to Gooding & Metz (2011), the commonly encountered misconceptions science is topic such as the size of body parts, density, particulate nature of matter and the shape of the earth. According “University of Texas Arlington” (September 8, 2017), misconceptions develop at early age. For instance, children at primary level get taught about sun rise and sun set (Allen 2014). As a result, children conceptualise the sun moving around the earth. At higher levels of education science present facts that show that the earth rotates around the sun (Allen 2014). Such contradictions should be reduced as it discourages children from furthering studies in science. According “University of Texas Arlington” (September 8, 2017) kids form a basic conception a short while after enrolling to school. Therefore, there is need to teach student fact at early age.
Current Status of Science Education in Primary Education
According to the study by (NewScientist, 2016 August 12), it shows that exposing children to the scientific concepts suits the young learner extends the knowledge in science naturally. Additionally, the study shows that a child develops curiosity and explores more when playing and having fun (NewScientist, 2016 August 12). Through playful games, children ask questions and speculate about; the nature of living things, the solar systems, how chemical and physical processes undergo. As a result of the game, they develop the interest in understanding the behaviours of living things and materials. Krisell (2015) encourage play-based teaching approach as it promotes discoveries. Also, Krisell (2015) urges to utilise support questions, explorations, and the use of creativity in solving simple life problems. Therefore, teaching children in the state, they enjoy most “playing” presents an excellent example of a teaching approach (Krisell, 2015). As a result, more students will develop the interests for learning science compared to the students under learning through class-based style. Science is the most the most enjoyable subject to conduct lessons in many setting available naturally and support play-based learning (Hurd & Anderson, 2017).
Teaching style employed by teachers plays a critical role, and the activities involved turns to be the learning moments for lifetime experiences (Hurd & Anderson, 2017). In their study, Hurd & Anderson (2017), advises teachers to guide students on how to explore simple science experiments during the leisure time. National Research Council (2011) gives samples of the simple tests such as cause-and-effect offer suitable for children. Furthermore, Fensham & Gunstone (2013) stated that it is essential for early childhood teachers to have practical content and create bewildering experiments. On this regard, science is the best engaging subjects for children at all stages of life. Also, it has endless simple tests to use to conduct hence new knowledge is acquired with new experience.
According to University of Texas Arlington (September 8, 2017), science is one of the vital subjects with relevance and applicability universally. Science enables children to think critically and encourages the problem-solving instinct in children (University of Texas Arlington 2017, September 8). As a result, student becomes transformed and becomes active members in class and the community. For instance, conducting experiments in class involves student actively (National Research Council, 2011). Nelson-Jones (2013) in his study concludes that science transforms young children to develop life skills. For example, in a science classroom debates, children learn how to articulate specific ideas and defend their points. According to Sadler (2011), the justification based on evidence improves the understanding of the pupil. In addition, science concepts and experiments take time to make an observation; as a result, the student learns life skills in regarding patience and making a conclusion with the given evidence (Sadler, 2011). Nelson-Jones (2013) argues that patience and evidence-based decision learned through science gets applied in the life thus account for the ethical conduct and responsibilities. Therefore, science education is crucial as it improves the communication skills nurtures leadership skills. A child becomes responsible citizens with a strong stand with evidence (Nelson-Jones, 2013).
Misconceptions in Science Education and Their Effects
Through exposing a child to science in the early stages, influences the child interest in future (Popkewitz, 2012). In his work, Popkewitz (2012), quoted the words of St Francis Xavier who said the phrase “show me the child until he is seven, and I will show you the man.” In this context, the phrase relates to the interplay of “nurture and nature”. Popkewitz (2012), explains this scenario as a development stage of life where children explore the nature and get nurtured. The argument of (Popkewitz, 2012) relates to the principles of “stem education”. The focus of the “stem education model” on emphasis of science subjects such as physics and mathematics (Successful STEM Education, 2018 n.d). According to study “Successful STEM Education (2018 n.d)”, shows that elementary years is the period when pupils develop their interests in STEM characteristics and careers.
Taylor & Cranton (2012), states that pupils undergoing through the “stem” learning improves on several key aspects of life. First, the children improve on critical thinking, observational and cognitive development, planning skills, spatial and visual processing, and more importantly fine and motor planning skills (Taylor & Cranton, 2012). To achieve the “stem” education requiremts, it need teacher get thorough training to prepare them become get qualified stem teachers. There are a few teachers skilled with the requirements of STEM education. Stem educations, requires elementary school kids get chances to explore concepts with assistance by the teacher and their parent at home (Uttal, & Cohen, 2012). Toshalis & Nakkula (2012) supports “stem” educations and argues that children practically investigate things on their own and discover but need to be motivated. Motivation should come from teachers and guardians (Toshalis & Nakkula, 2012). Therefore, science is the best subject to practice the requirements of “stem teaching approach”.
Despite the unsurpassable positive impacts of science education, human being should take great care as adverse effects of science are detrimental (Horgan, (2015). Horgan (2015) argues that it is crucial to encourage our children to learn science is right but caution on the extent of extremism and states that it should is need to have a control. Kossin et al. (2016) relates extreme science activities in connection to negative global environmental issue such as global warming. Also, science attributes to health issues such as drug abuse and lifestyles diseases (Kossin et al., 2016). Moreover (Kossin et al. 2016), claims technology such as the internet has corrupted the social fabric and morals due to effects excessive use of platforms such as social media and the internet. It is, therefore, necessary to encourage children to learn and develop science which will cater to the interest of the environment and the social ties (Sadler, 2011).
Benefits of Play-based Teaching Approach in Science Education
Conclusion
Science is the basis of life in the universe. Its applications cut across the board from schools, at home, and in the society. The dependence of science by humans is evident from the historical records. Modern man has accumulated the knowledge in science from generation to the other. As a result, the current ways of solving problems are increasingly becoming more efficient. For instance, the use of stem cell technology in treating diseases problems such as leukaemia, cancers and heart diseases. Science education does impart the concepts and knowledge to children. Children explore science and become aspire to become professional doctors, teachers and engineers. Additionally, through science children get nurtured to develop crucial life skill and become responsible future leaders. The approach of teaching science related subjects requires changes to actively involve student actively through experiments in class and in free time. Further, the method is due to changes to accommodate the play-based learning style which fits in the playful nature of children. The advantages of science education to the students relates to the development of responsible and skilful people in life. Through science and technology life of the human is improved through invention which solves the problems such cancers and other killer diseases. For those who are against the science education, I challenge them to give an equivalent subjects, capable playing the roles science of imparting knowledge and skills applicable in the entire life.
References
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