ABSTRACT

This fully revised second edition of Debates in Science Education explores the major issues that science teachers encounter in teaching their subject, encouraging the reader to make their own informed judgements and argue their point of view with deeper theoretical knowledge and understanding.

Brand new chapters written by a team of international experts provide fresh insight into topics of central importance when teaching science. Written to aid and inspire beginning teachers, current teachers and established subject leaders, these focused chapters are essential to anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of salient issues within school science education, including:

  • STEAM education
  • sustainability and climate change
  • science and sensitive issues
  • equity and diversity
  • science and sex education
  • science and religion
  • science and pedagogy (including science inquiry)
  • transition from primary to secondary school

Encouraging critical reflection and aiming to stimulate both novice and experienced teachers, this book is a valuable resource for any student or practicing teacher and particularly those engaged in continuing professional development or Master’s level study.

chapter Chapter 1|9 pages

Debates in Science Education

section Section 1|88 pages

Debates about the nature and purpose of science education in contemporary society

chapter Chapter 2|14 pages

The STEM, STEAM, STEAME debate

What does each term mean and what theoretical frameworks underpin their development?

chapter Chapter 3|15 pages

To be debated

Teachers should mobilize science students to help replace capitalism

chapter Chapter 4|17 pages

Debates, intimacies, affects and agencies

Science education in the 'hard' climate change era

chapter Chapter 5|14 pages

Climate change education

chapter Chapter 6|12 pages

Science education for citizenship

Contributions from knowledge of and about science in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

chapter Chapter 7|14 pages

Science and anti-science

section Section 2|67 pages

Debates about the relationship between science and science pedagogy

chapter Chapter 9|17 pages

Science as practice?

chapter Chapter 10|15 pages

Learning and assessment

section Section 3|86 pages

Debates about whole-school issues which have a science dimension

chapter Chapter 12|19 pages

Inclusion and equity in science education

chapter Chapter 13|13 pages

Faith, Science and classrooms

chapter Chapter 14|13 pages

Sensitive issues in science

The case of relationships and sex education

chapter Chapter 15|13 pages

Transition from primary to secondary

chapter Chapter 16|12 pages

Creativity in school science

chapter Chapter 17|14 pages

Science and mathematics

The mathematical demands of science