Science education

Science education develops scientific knowledge, practices, and ways of reasoning through teaching and learning. It includes formal schooling, informal learning, and public engagement with science.

Inquiry-based learning: An approach in which learners investigate questions and use evidence to develop explanations. It places investigation and evidence at the center of science lessons.
Science museum: An institution that presents scientific knowledge and practice through collections, exhibits, and programs. Museums offer hands-on and informal learning beyond the school curriculum.
John Dewey: An American philosopher and educator who argued that learning develops through experience and inquiry. His educational philosophy helped shape experiential approaches to science teaching.
Direct instruction: A structured teaching approach in which teachers explicitly present content and guide practice. It contrasts with discovery-oriented models while remaining useful for explicit explanations.
Science identity: A person’s sense of belonging and capability in relation to science and scientific work. It helps explain why participation in science pathways differs across learners.
Scientific literacy: The capacity to understand, evaluate, and use scientific knowledge in everyday and civic contexts. It expresses a broad educational goal beyond memorizing scientific facts.
Citizen science: Scientific research conducted partly or wholly with participation from members of the public. It connects public learning with the production of scientific data.
Progressive education: An educational movement emphasizing experience, inquiry, and learning connected to students’ lives. It challenged instruction based mainly on recitation and passive reception.
Discovery learning: An approach in which learners infer concepts or principles through exploration and problem-solving. Its emphasis on exploration raises questions about guidance and cognitive load.
Equity in science education: The study and practice of ensuring fair access, participation, and outcomes in science learning. Unequal resources and representation remain central challenges for the field.

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