Theory and practice in science education

Abstract

This chapter will commence by introducing you to a number of theories that include important components which have a direct influence on teaching and learning. This chapter presents only a broad overview of these detailed theories, but additional web sources and readings are included that will allow you to investigate them further. The final theoretical component presented is an inquiry-based approach to science called the SE instructional model. This model will be used at length in Chapter 2.3, where the practical aspects of planning lessons and units will be addressed. The final part of the chapter will examine the Australian national science syllabus and the thinking and theory that underpins that document. While every jurisdiction in and outside of Australia has its own approach to the science curriculum, and the Watch the TedEd video Inquiry-based learning by Frank Beck, ed.ted.com/ on/bOOY61Z4. It will introduce you to the idea of inquiry learning and its close relationship with the way that scientists work using the scientific method.