Why is science education important in our schools? Technology and the products of science fill our daily lives. Scientific evidence informs public policy decisions that affect every aspect of our lives. And, of course, the immensely complex natural world surrounding us illustrates infinite scientific concepts. Children who grow up in an increasingly technologically and scientifically advanced world must be scientifically literate to succeed.
Ideally, teaching the nature of science to students prepares them to think, learn, solve problems and make informed decisions. These skills are integral to each student’s education and life, from school to career. With a graduate degree in science education, such as the online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction – Science program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, teachers can use what they learn about science instruction techniques and curriculum design to advance science education and student learning as a whole.
How Is Science Involved in Students’ Everyday Lives?
Science is everywhere. A student rides to school on a bus, and in that instance alone, there are many examples of technology based on the scientific discovery. The school bus is a product of many areas of science and technology, including mechanical engineering and innovation. Civil engineers and planners carefully design the systems of roads, lights, sidewalks and other infrastructure. The smartphone in the student’s hand is a miracle of modern computer engineering.
Outside the window, trees turn sunlight into stored energy and create the oxygen we need to survive. Whether “natural” or human-derived, every aspect of a student’s life centers on science — from their internal biology to the flat-screen TV in the living room.
Scientific Inquiry and Scientific Method
Perhaps even more important than specific examples of science in our lives are how we use scientific thought, processes and inquiry to make decisions. This method is not always intentional. The human need to solve problems can arise from curiosity or necessity. Scientific inquiry is how we develop arguments supported by evidence.
Critical Thinking
Although science and engineering practices are integral to science education and practice, every decision we make relies on these processes. Natural human curiosity and necessity lead to asking questions (What is the problem?), constructing a hypothesis (How do I solve it?), testing it with evidence and evaluating the result (Did the solution work?) and making future decisions based on that result.
This is problem-solving: using critical thinking and evidence to create solutions and make decisions. Problem-solving and critical thinking are two of the most important skills students learn in school. Moreover, they are essential to making good decisions that lead to achievement and success during and after school.
Yet, although they are nearly synonymous, scientific inquiry in schools is not always explicitly tied to problem-solving and critical thinking. The process students learn when creating, executing, evaluating and communicating the results of an experiment can be applied to any challenge they face in school, from proving a point in a persuasive essay to developing a photo in the darkroom. In this way, science is one of the most important subjects students study because it develops he critical thinking skills they need in every subject.
The Importance of Science in Early Education
Governmental guidelines and tests often focus on middle and high school-level STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Yet, many educators believe science education should begin much earlier. Not only does science education teach young learners problem-solving skills that will help them throughout their schooling, but it also engages them in science from the start.
Kids usually form a basic opinion about the sciences shortly after beginning school. If this is a negative opinion, it can be hard to interest those students in science as they grow older. On the other hand, engaging young students with exciting material and experiences motivates them to learn and pursue the sciences throughout school.
Science is one of the most vital subjects in school due to its relevance to students’ lives and the universally applicable problem-solving and critical thinking skills it uses and develops. These lifelong skills allow students to generate ideas, weigh decisions intelligently and even understand the evidence behind public policymaking. Teaching technological literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving through science education gives students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Science program.