National Science Education Research Articles

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in natural science education: A review of literature

AbstractDiversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are relevant in societal discourse and have implications for educators in natural sciences disciplines. A synthesis of DEI research in these disciplines is necessary to identify opportunities to strengthen initiatives and identify future research needs. The purpose of this study was to introduce a review of current literature related to DEI in natural sciences education, exploring the frameworks, methods, and focal areas of current literature as well as synthesizing findings, and recommendations for practice and research. Key findings indicate that while conversations and interventions surrounding issues of DEI are occurring, inequities across various scales of the education system still exist. Recommendations center on the need for critical reflexivity on the part of individuals, programs, and the larger education system to identify inequities and opportunities for change.

Natural science education in the university core curriculum

Natural science education in the university core curriculum

Community-Based Project Learning: Empowering Students' Self-Regulated Learning and Creativity

<p style="text-align:justify">Changes and challenges in the highly dynamic world of education require postgraduate students to manage their learning well and create something from their creative thinking according to the needs of the field. One of them is the activity of students in developing integrated natural science teaching materials is very necessary because learning at the primary level still uses integrated or thematic learning. Furthermore, students also need to be encouraged to be adaptive to these challenges by empowering their independence in learning. The ability to manage learning and creativity to create something new is highly prioritized for college graduates to contribute generously to their environment. This study aims to describe the empowerment of self-regulated learning and student creativity in developing natural science teaching materials in collaboration through community-based project learning. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a single-subject design type. The instruments used to retrieve data are creativity assessment rubrics and self-regulated learning questionnaires. The conclusion is that students are intrinsically and extrinsically motivated to fulfill the given tasks. Learning is essential for increasing competence, and learning strategies have been adjusted to the material's complexity or the difficulty level of the studied content. The aspect of student creativity in developing Integrated Science teaching materials shows the existence of change from stage one to the next and good categories.</p>

Analysis of Digital Literacy of MIPA and MIPA Education Students

UNCEN Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education Department students are students who actively play a role in utilizing digital information sources. However, this raises problems regarding the use of digital sources. So because of the problems that often occur, it is not yet known whether students have utilized digital resources properly and correctly, so research needs to be conducted to find out more about what the digital literacy of students majoring in Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education is like in supporting learning using instant DCA (Digital Competence Assessment) measurements. which is a model and instrument used to determine and measure a person's digital literacy abilities. The research results show that the digital literacy skills of students majoring in P.MIPA in using technology are in the sufficient category with a percentage achievement of 59.25%. In the cognitive dimension, the overall percentage of results was 54.92%, which was categorized as sufficient. Meanwhile, in the ethical dimension, the overall percentage of results was 62.76%, which is categorized as good

IMPROVING THE METHODOLOGY OF TEACHING NATURAL SCIENCES IN PRIMARY CLASSES - A SOCIAL AND EDITORIAL NEED

It is shown in this article that the methodology of teaching natural sciences serves as an educational science that improves the content and methods of comprehensive education of children in the teaching of natural sciences. It seems that in the conditions of today's globalization, effective use of virtual educational platforms in the process of teaching natural sciences in elementary grades, improvement of the methodology of teaching natural sciences based on programmed lessons and virtual educational technologies is of great importance.

FORMATION OF ECOLOGICAL THINKING IN TEACHING NATURAL SCIENCES

In this article, the content of forming an attitude to the environment in primary education, elements of environmental education and upbringing, components of creative approach and improvement, the effectiveness of natural knowledge acquisition by primary school students, extracurricular activities in the formation of environmental concepts the use of training, environmental literacy and culture improvement, nature protection processes are described.

Development of a multilingual online course with the language support for teaching physics in English

<span lang="EN-US">Distance education offers an alternative to traditional teaching methods, particularly online courses. During the pandemic, the role of information and communication technologies in the field of education has increased and is used to organize both synchronous and asynchronous learning. However, not all information and communication technology (ICT) tools and platforms provide the necessary functionality for developing online courses in the direction of language integration. This article discusses the issues of creating a multilingual online course of physics in English with the necessary language support and additional functions for the development of students’ academic language. The study used such methods as a survey, focus groups, analytical and descriptive methods, and empirical research. The key features of the developed course are the use of various types of content and methods for assessing both subject and language knowledge and skills. The presented survey results, data on summative assessment (SE), and trial testing show the effectiveness of the developed course modules. The conclusions and results described in the article will be useful to teachers of natural sciences in general education and private schools, especially those using international programs, deputy directors, as well as teachers who teach their subjects in a second or third language.</span>

Theoretical aspects of the development of physics teaching methods in Ukraine

The article discusses the results of the analysis of approaches to teaching natural science subjects, in particular physics, in Ukrainian schools. It points to the general problem of a decline in students' interest in learning physics and natural sciences. The authors note that abroad, attention is paid to the practical orientation of learning, while in Ukraine, the emphasis is on theoretical reasoning and knowledge of the laws of physics. At the same time, the importance of taking into account the practical application of physics in modern production in new physics programmes is noted. Priority areas and ways of organising physics education are proposed, including humanisation of learning, activity-based approach, level differentiation of students, modular learning and team approach. The paper emphasises the need to combine theoretical and practical physics education to improve the efficiency of the educational process in Ukraine.The purpose of this article is the theoretical justification and analysis of the main aspects of the development of physics teaching methods in Ukraine.The following methods were used in the work: historical and theoretical. The historical method is implemented on the basis of the study and selection of factual material regarding the development of methodological thought in physics in Ukraine. The theoretical method was used to develop the described historical-methodical concept as a result of the analysis, generalization and systematization of the collected factual material.It is found that the study draws attention to the constant evolution and adaptation of physics teaching methods to changes in society, technology and scientific achievements. Attention is drawn to the importance of creating a stimulating and effective learning environment that promotes the development of knowledge, skills and understanding of physical phenomena.It is noted that the work considers various aspects of physics teaching methodology, namely: the role of technologies in teaching physics and their interaction with teaching methodology and theory are discussed, pointing to the analysis of physical education tasks and advanced pedagogical experience; the need for constant improvement of physics teaching methods is emphasized, noting possible errors and inaccuracies in traditional approaches to studying certain issues; refers to the integration content in the methodology of teaching physics, substantiates the principles of integration of the content of physical and astronomical education at the basic level, and also points out the importance of taking into account modern trends in the development of science; methodological foundations of the development of the content of school physical education are proposed, which take into account modern scientific achievements and pedagogical experience.The obtained results prove the need for further research and improvement of physics teaching methods in Ukraine. Special attention should be focused on taking into account modern scientific achievements, changes in technologies and accumulation of pedagogical experience.

Theoretical Model that Explain the Knowledge of the CSE Program in Special Education Teachers: A Bayesian Approach

This study introduces new evidence of the theoretical model that connects 21 theoretical hypotheses of personal experience with sexual education knowledge. Participants were 82 Special Education students with a comparison group of 55 female students from Psychology and Natural Sciences Education studying special education. This correlational and exploratory study proposes an analysis path analyzed with a frequentist approach. It presents new empirical evidence from a Bayesian approach’s theoretical and methodological assumptions that offer estimates similar to the real values. The information in the model can be used to guide the education of Latinas who are Special Education teachers to identify other aspects that condition their teaching.

Development of An Agribusiness Textbook on Raising Giant Prawns (Macrobrachium Rosenbergii) in Environmentally Friendly Biofloc-Aquaponics Ponds''

The agribusiness textbook on “rearing giant prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in environmentally friendly biofloc-aquaponics Ponds” was prepared as a result of research and has been published to help increase students’ understanding of agribusiness courses in the Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education and Information Technology (FPMIPATI), PGRI University Semarang. The research method used is R and D. The design of the textbook that was developed aims to attract students’ attention in learning, making it easier for lecturers to master the teaching and learning process. Therefore, valid teaching materials are needed. The results of the research show that validation by validators resulted in the validation of teaching material media of 97.5% and validation of teaching material of 96.67% so it was declared in the very good category and suitable for use in learning. This textbook can make it easier for students to understand Agribusiness material, especially about raising giant prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in environmentally friendly biofloc-aquaponics ponds. Furthermore, the publication of this book is also hoped to motivate lecturers to continue writing according to their respective expertise to add to the scientific knowledge at PGRI University Semarang.
 Keywords: textbook, agribusiness, biofloc-aquaponics

The History of Natural Sciences as a component of the hidden curriculum

The history of the development of natural sciences is integrated into the educational process of the relevant disciplines and can influence the formation of a student’s personality. The content and interpretation of the historical component are not regulated, they are included in the “hidden curriculum”. The purpose of the work is to analyze the functions of history in the teaching of natural sciences as a component of the hidden curriculum according to literature data and to assess the degree of their implementation in the opinion of participants in the pedagogical process. Results. At the first, we highlighted the functions that history performs within the framework of natural sciences based on the literature data. Then during empirical stage in 2022 we conducted the anonymous online survey of tutors and students of 2-3 courses of Russian medical universities (N=325). The analysis of the obtained data showed that, according to the survey participants, firstly, the history of the studied science is a necessary part of the educational process. Secondly, the use of historical facts during lectures and classes performs more cognitive (including the development of critical thinking) than educational functions (including the formation of socio-cultural identity and citizenship), which can be associated with varying degrees of their implicitness. The results of the survey of students from different regions turned out to be similar. Most of the respondents supported the unification of the historical component of the natural science discipline for all medical universities in Russia. In a practical sense, the results of this study can be used in the training and advanced training of university teaching staff in order to focus on the hidden components of the educational process and actualize various contexts of the history of natural sciences, as well as be taken into account in the development of educational literature and work programs. The externalization of the hidden curriculum will allow to integrate it into a unified educational policy.

Training Science Teacher Understanding in Creating Science Learning Assessments Using the Quizalize Application

Based on the questionnaire results filled out by the MGMP Natural Science teachers of Batola District, it was obtained that 44.44% stated they were sufficiently skilled in using technology when preparing science teaching materials, one of which is assessment. Therefore, the Mandatory Community Service Program team attempted to address the issue through training activities on creating technology-based science learning assessments using the Quizalize application. This training aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of MGMP Natural Science teachers in creating technology-based science learning assessments. The training will be conducted in 3 sessions hybridly, consisting of 1 session via Zoom on July 21, 2023, and 2 sessions in person at SMPN 2 Alalak School on July 29 & August 5, 2023. The methods used in this training consist of 4 stages, including planning, action, observation/evaluation, and reflection. Based on the evaluation questionnaire, it can be concluded that the participants understand and can create learning media by achieving a score of 75.08% and receiving positive responses.

Pierina Borangas Überlegungen zum Natur-Kind-Verhältnis

Abstract Pierina Boranga’s Considerations on the Nature-Child-Relationship Pierina Boranga has spent her entire working life teaching natural science subjects in primary schools. She has, however, not been awarded the level of recognition, she actually should have been given and, instead, has found her place in the shadow of others. Taking a look at her diary entries reveals the level of intensive, independent intellectual efforts she has made during her early teaching period, in order to provide children with a sustainable understanding of how to deal with subjects in the field of natural science.

The natural science teacher training program meeting the demands of the new general education curriculum in Vietnam

The article presents an overview of Vietnam’ Science Teacher Training Program in the socio-cultural context and a detailed introduction of the necessity of the Natural Science Teacher Training Program for lower secondary schools since 2018 meeting the demands of the New General Curriculum. The paper also shows the comparison among the nations’ science teacher education programs in terms of the objectives and domains of knowledge in the training curricula. We based our study on the documentary reviewing method and use a comparative and descriptive approach to classify a common category for these programs and show typical features in each program and highlight those that significantly contribute to curriculum development in Vietnam.

The history of the formation and development of teaching methods in biological education of schoolchildren (before the XX century)

In pedagogical activity, an important role in the formation of professional qualities of a school teacher is played by the development of teaching methods for a particular subject. Realizing this importance, we use the experience of other teachers, methodologists, and scientists. Studying and analyzing their works, we turn to the history of the formation and development of teaching methods. This article focuses on conducting a historical review of the development of teaching methods in the biological education of schoolchildren. On the basis of a historical retrospective, the main works of prominent biological educators are presented, their contribution to the development of methods of teaching natural science and biology is described. The main external and internal factors that influenced the educational process are presented. In particular, the attitude of the state authorities to natural science education. The article considers the main variants of the periodization of the history of the formation and development of the methodology of teaching biology and biological education in the national school; the characteristics of individual periods and teaching methods prevailing at the moment are given; Indications are made on the use of certain methods of teaching biology in modern education. Based on the stated research topic, information is provided reflecting the development of biology teaching methods only up to the 20th century.

Националният природонаучен музей при Българската академия на науките – 14 години на повторно възстановяване под ръководството на акад. проф. д-р Иван Костов 1974 – 1988 г.

With the restoration of its legal independence in 1974, a new stage in the development of the National Museum of Natural History began. From 1974 to 1988, it was led by the noted mineralogist Acad. Prof. Ivan Kostov. Part of the geological, paleontological, botanical and soil collections that were taken out in 1947 have been returned to the museum and its multidisciplinary natural science (and not only zoological) character is restored. From the “Museum” Section of the former Zoological Institute, it became the National Museum of Natural History, which fully lives up to its name. The enrichment of the collections, the construction of new departments and expositions, the growth of the state, the first expeditions in the country and abroad to collect natural specimens and the expansion of its international contacts are presented. His active and versatile work for the natural science education of the population and the importance of the museum as a cultural institution until the last but one year (1989) of the totalitarian rule of Bulgaria are shown.

Model of the �Green School� with the use of an educational-experimental site in the formation of biological skills of students in rural schools in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Relevance. The research activities of schoolchildren play a crucial role in their socialization and preparation for higher education, particularly in developing biological and environmental skills essential for understanding and preserving the natural world. This study focuses on identifying effective methods to foster these competencies among schoolchildren. Purpose. This article aims to explore how extracurricular education, particularly through models like the �Green School� and educational and experimental sites, contributes to the formation of biological competencies in schoolchildren. Methodology. The study examines the features of extracurricular learning, including the �Green School� model and educational and experimental sites. It explores the essence of biological and environmental skills, analyses the role of extracurricular activities in skill formation, and evaluates the teacher's influence on developing biological skills and the competencies required of modern biology educators. Results. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of using educational and experimental sites and implementing the �Green School� model in enhancing schoolchildren's skills. It underscores the positive impact of these methods in fostering a love for nature, promoting environmental awareness, and cultivating the ability to explore and acquire knowledge about the natural world. Conclusions. The findings support the integration of extracurricular activities like the �Green School� model and educational sites to enhance biological competencies among schoolchildren. This research is intended to assist biology and natural science teachers in rural secondary schools, improving their professional training and teaching methodologies. Additionally, the study encourages the development of students' appreciation for nature and their understanding of environmental preservation, thereby enriching their overall educational experience. Keywords: project based learning; environmental education; training and experimental area; �Green School�

Competencia científica en la enseñanza de las ciencias naturales: reflexión desde la perspectiva del pensamiento complejo.

Abstract Society faces new challenges every day as a consequence of globalization and diverse transformations, where science and technology come together offering alternatives to solve problems of a scientific nature, counting on human resources trained to face life in a scientific way. The objective of this essay is to reflect theoretically on the redirection of teaching in the natural sciences from a linear, Cartesian perspective to a complex paradigmatic approach, whose theoretical support is based on complex thinking. To this end, education plays a relevant role, offering the necessary tools to face diverse situations of its environment. However, the theoretical arguments found in different bibliographic reviews, supported by authors, point out that the teaching of natural sciences is focused on the memorization of concepts, dismissing the importance of the management and application of scientific competences, promoting uncertainty and chaos as an indissoluble part of the natural processes and phenomena that are part of the social context of the students. According to the above, the teaching provided by the teacher represents the tip of the iceberg in this beautiful path that has as its ultimate goal: to enhance in students the acquisition of skills and abilities where the complexity, global, contextual and multidimensional, constitute the thread of the learning process.

The Values and Role of Natural Science Education in Religious Moderation

The research aims to answer the question of how the role of values and natural science education in religious moderation. This research was conducted with a qualitative approach with a literature review method. The validity of the data is determined by triangulation and reduction and then presented descriptively. Research data shows that the values in natural science learning, especially in the aspect of scientific attitudes, are closely related to attitudes of religious moderation. The values of a scientific attitude in natural science learning are in line with the values of an attitude of religious moderation. Based on the data obtained and the discussion carried out, it can be concluded that science and its learning have great potential to develop an attitude of religious moderation. Thus, it is clear and unquestionable that science learning can be used as an alternative to developing an attitude of religious moderation in Indonesia. Another advantage of developing an attitude of religious moderation is that the values in science can be applied generally, anywhere, and anytime. Therefore, religious moderation developed through scientific learning does not only apply to certain religions but also applies in general. All religious adherents (regardless of religion and belief) can be moderated through systematically planned science learning.

VII International scientific and practical conference Ternopil Bioscience – 2023

The article summarizes the results of the VII International Scientific and Practical Conference Ternopil Bioscience – 2023, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the renowned botanist, taxonomist, and florist, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Botany Valentina Omelianivna Shymanska. The event took place from May 11 to 13, 2023, in Ternopil at the Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University. The conference covered the following thematic areas: experimental botany and plant physiology, biology and ecology of animals, microbiology and virology, cytogenetics and histomorphology, human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, genetics of microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans, hydrobiology, biotechnology in plant cultivation, animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, environmental protection and biological aspects of biodiversity reproduction, applied aspects of adaptation of organisms, ecological biotechnology, and rational nature management, the impact of natural and social factors on human health, biomedicine and pharmacognosy, agronomy, plant protection, and quarantine, the history of biology, and the methodology of teaching natural sciences. A collection of abstracts was published before the conference opening. Over 102 participants took part in the conference. There were 8 plenary and 38 sectional reports. Following the discussions, it was decided to schedule and conduct the next conference in the Spring of 2024.