Principles and big ideas of science education

Abstract

This report, developed by a group of ten international experts in science education following the PURkwa Lomond seminar in October 2009, sets out the principles that should underpin the science education of all students throughout their schooling. It argues that students should helped to develop 'big ideas' of science and about science that will enable them to understand the scientific aspects of the worl around and make informed decisions about the application of science. For this understanding students need learning experiences that are interesting and engaging and seen as relevant to their lives. The report therefore also considers the progression from small ideas about specific events, phenomena and objects to more abstract and widely applicable ideas and the significant aspects of pedagogy that are required to support this progression.