The Nature of "Nature" in Science Education

• In Event: Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Curriculum and Instruction in the Science Classroom

Abstract

This paper undertakes a conceptual analysis of the social and discursive production of ‘nature’ in school science in the United States, and makes an appeal for its reconceptualization in light of current scientific understanding of life in the current Anthropocene era. Supporting my argument with illustrative examples drawn from my research as well as of others, I make the case that the nature as constructed in science education is distinguished by three main features: (a) Separation of the social from the natural; (b) Propagation of the ‘balance of nature’ view; and (c) Framing of nature in a market-based rationality. These features reflected an outdated understanding of nature and hence point to an urgent need to reconceptualize nature in science education.

Author

• Ajay Sharma, University of Georgia