TEACHING SCIENCE TO CHILDREN

UNDERSTANDING SCIENCE

Science is defined differently depending on the individuals who view it. The layperson define science as a body of scientific information; The scientists view it as procedures by which hypothesis are tested A philosopher regards science as a way of questioning the truthfulness of what we know.

The Meaning Of Science

Knowledge about the world, especially based on examination and testing, and on facts that can be proved. (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, 2001)

The Meaning Of Science

Systematic knowledge which can be tested and proven for its truth, branch of knowledge which is based on the absolute truth (translated from Kamus Dewan) Science is a set of attitudes, thinking concerning facts, rather what is stated about facts. (B.K.Skinner)

The Meaning Of Science

Science is not a technique or a set of knowledge , even though science uses both of these. Science is more of an inquiring attitude, observation and reasoning about this world. Science is developed, not by memorizing facts or conclusion to get the answer, but only by really practicing observation and reasoning (K.T. Compton).

The Meaning Of Science

Science is the knowledge gathered through a group of processes that the people use systematically to make discoveries about the natural world. This knowledge is characterized by the values and attitudes of the people who use these processes.

Science
Consists of

Processes

Product/ Knowledge/ Content

types

Values/ Attitude
In the form of

skills

Basic

Fact Concept

Emotion

Integrated Principle Law Theory

Intellect

Science Process Skills

Basic Observing Classifying Measuring and Using Numbers Inferring Predicting Communicating Using SpaceTime Relationship Integrated

Interpreting Data Defining Operationally Controlling Variables Hypothesising Experimenting

Fact
Specific statement about existing object or actual incidents acquired after making observations and measurements Can be confirmed E.g.: water exists in spherical form when it is dropped in the air.

Concept
An abstract idea which is generalised from facts or specific experiences Formed base on similar characteristic / aspects E.g.: the fact about water can be explain by the surface tension concept Examples of other concepts: concepts of magnet, electric circuit, heat, air pressure.

Principle
A more complex idea based on related concepts The relationship between specific concepts is generalised to form a principal The best current explanation for an object or a situation Can be changed if the new observations do not support the existing principle

Principle
E.g.: Hot air expands. Its mean if air is heated, it will expend. It is principal which relates the concepts of air, heat and expansion.

Law
A more stable principle that is generally more widely accepted, even though it is still tentative E.g.: The Law of Conservation of Energy - energy cannot be created or destroyed, but changes from one form to another - Einstein showed that energy can be created when a small amount of matter is destroyed

Theory
A wide framework which relates facts, concepts and principle E.g.: Quantum Theory Shown that electron as a cloud consisting of charges which revolve around the nucleus

Emotional Attitude
Interested in and inquisitive about natural surroundings Flexible and open-minded Persevering in carrying out new ventures Co-operative Compassionate Thankful to God for His gifts/blessings Appreciate and practice clean and healthy living

Intellectual Attitude
Honest and truthful in recording and confirming data Systematic and confident Responsible for the safety of self, friends and the environment Appreciative of the contribution of science and technology Be aware that science is one of the ways to understand nature

Persamaan
Bermula beribu-ribu tahun dahulu Melibatkan penyiasatan bersistematik Membina makna daripada dapatan penyiasatan Hasil sentiasa diperbaiki

Perbezaan
Sains Tertumpu kepada alam semulajadi Menjelaskan fenomena alam Analisis Menjalankan eksperimen Idea dalam bentuk konsep, prinsip,teori Saintis Aspek Punca Penyiasatan Tujuan Kemahiran Kaedah Hasil Pakar Teknologi Masalah penyesuaian kepada persekitaran Menyelesaikan masalah penyesuaian Sintesis Penyelesaian masalah Rekaan yang mengatasi had keupayaan manusia Jurutera