The status of the nature of science in science education in Lebanon

Abstract

The past three decades have seen calls for a change of emphasis in science education from a focus on academic scientific education, which caters for the needs of a minority of students interested in pursuing careers in scientific fields, to giving prominence to preparing scientifically literate citizens who are capable of taking informed decisions regarding science-related issues; citizens who are capable of using science productively in their lives. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the status of the nature of science in science education in Lebanon. Specifically, the chapter addresses the following: How is the nature of science represented in the Lebanese science education curriculum? How is the nature of science represented in Lebanese science textbooks? What are Lebanese students' and teachers' conceptions of the nature of science? Are there any indications that the nature of science is being taught in Lebanese science classrooms? What lessons can be learned from the experience of Lebanon in attempting to incorporate the nature of science in science education?