Water as A Transversal Axis of Learning in School Textbooks For Chilean Primary Education Students

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the presence of water as a transversal learning axis in the activities of Natural Science textbooks in Chilean Basic Education. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework is associated with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Chilean science curricular bases, as well as the didactic management associated with school textbooks. Method: The mixed method is followed, through content analysis, the elaboration of a priori categories, supported by quantitative elements to describe and interpret the data obtained from the analysis of school textbooks. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed the presence of activities, still insufficient, that deal with the topic of water in the texts. The highest frequencies of educational activities are found in the fifth and sixth grades. The skills promoted are intellectual capacities (operations to acquire, recover, solve problems and retain different types of knowledge); on the other hand, the skills that demand a process of practice (mastery of the technique or skill), attitudes and habits, such as ways of acting and behaving, are the least promoted. Research Implications: The implications of the study are referred to the methodology of science teaching in Basic Education and the respective teacher training. Originality/value: The results of the study contribute to filling a gap in the literature related to the teaching of water proposed in school textbooks. With this, guidelines are provided to improve the activities suggested in the textbooks, promoting awareness of water, its reuse and conservation.