Light, Science and Society

Challenges Read the letter. It is available in English, Portuguese and Italian (Google translated) Letter from ministry

Science DidacticsErasmus I.P. Development of Science Education‘ Light’ in Science and Society Development of ‘Light’ Science Education

Challenges Didactic challenges in Science Education Classical approach: Content based education through different sciene concepts Concept - Context Problem: pupils don’t see the connection between the concepts (Irrelevant content) Possible solution: introduce an overall connecting context to link the different science concepts (Context based education)

Challenges Context based education Direct link with the perception of the pupils and therefore relevant to them. Development of knowledge originates from the context (Constructivistic approach) Through the direct link with the perception a bridge with relevant issues in society is made (Social constructivistic method)

Challenges Goals of today's workshop 1. Introduction to the module developed by us as an example of a context based didactical approach. ! FOCUS ON APPROACH, NOT THE SCIENCE CONTENT! 2. Evaluate the context based method developed by us and how it can be used and improved.

The Context

The Context: lessons LessonDescription 1Sunlight! Source of sustainable enery 2The Global Carbon Cycle 3The energy within the light 4Solar cells 5Electrolysis 6Carbon dioxide capture (CO 2 ) 7Catalysis 8Fuel cells versus combustion engines 9 (Lab work)Lab work on solar cells and the fuel cell ! FOCUS ON APPROACH, NOT THE SCIENCE CONTENT!

Programme 1. Read letter of Ministry 2. Introduction Context based Education 3. Work through Lessons (Groupwork)(45 minutes) Break(10 minutes) 4. Evaluate Context based Education approach (Groupwork)(60 minutes) 5. Group discussion(30 minutes) Break(10 minutes)

Context based learning in general Expected Outcome: + fun- might stay in context instead of theory + social learning- context may cover only a small part.. + motivated (because how and why)- context may not interest students + integration with other courses + differentiation Unexpected Outcome: + develop critical thinking- time consuming - does not promote abstract thinking - difficult to put poorly motivated student to work - dominant students can effect the proces negativelly - low/high order questions

The module Expected Outcome: + Promotes scientific literacy + Reallife situation + sufficient high order questions Unexpected Outcome: + they have to stand up for opinions- One society situation + independent learning- Only small link between lesson 1+2 and letter - to many concepts in to short a time - more practical lessons!!

Context + student really feel involved by the chosen context - Government may be a bit dull Alternatives: Financial Multi media Field trip (Swedish workshop) storyline with characters

Evaluating - Keep track during proces - Organise debate - Build an AST - Write report about similar assignment (no guidance) - Individual discussion afterwards - Use rubric with skills - Make a documentary - Make an overall lesson to present to the students