Being and Becoming Scientists Today: Reclaiming a Theoretical-Practical Approach to Science Education

• In Event: 53.081 - Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: 53.081-14 - Science Identity and Becoming: Exploring Perceptions, Achievement, and Career Goals

Abstract

We use cultural-historical activity theory, published research studies, and an empirical projects to propose answers to learner questions such as: Could I contribute to science? Do I like to work on the problems of science? These questions interest learners, but are not typically the questions asked in science throughout a student’s K-16 experience. In this presentation will analyze several questions historically, identify common myths and reconstruct them, and propose tools for teaching toward the questions in order to shift science instruction toward one from the perspective(s) of learner-scientists. This theoretical-practical work took place in elementary school classrooms in a large urban school district. We explore how all science educators could view science and design instruction for their future students.

Authors

• Susan A. Kirch, New York University

• Michele Amoroso, New York City Department of Education