Humanistic goals and scientific contents: the contributions of historical and philosophical approach to science education

 

 

   The International Conference on History of Science and Science Education (ICHSSE) happens every two years in different countries. It gathers expert researchers in history and philosophy of science and science education. Together, these experts promote a rich debate about the multiple aspects of the historical and philosophical approach to improving science education in a globalized world.

   

   This will be the second time the conference will happen in Brazil (in 2010 it took place in Maresias/SP, sponsored by Cibelle Celestino Silva from USP-São Carlos). The existence of the Research Group on History of Science and Science Teaching (GHCEN) of State University of Paraiba determined the choice of Campina Grande as the location for the next Conference

   

   In its 10 years of existence, GHCEN has contributed to Brazilian research on the historical and philosophical approach to science teaching. Composed by undergraduate and graduate students and high school teachers, the Group has researched and implemented teaching strategies to spread history and philosophy of science in science education. Its focus has been in the inquiry-based learning supported by didactical materials with the historical and philosophical approach. This includes historical research based on the modern historiography of science, lesson plans with a historical and inquiry-based approach, replication of historical experiments and instruments, multimedia materials (videos and cartoons) and theatre plays.

   

   According to the connection with GHCEN research, the theme of this XI Conference will be the similarities between the humanistic goals and the science teaching.

 

   Throughout the last years, science-teaching strategies using historical and philosophical approach have emphasized the need to improve reflexive and critical reasoning among students. To promote the humanistic character of science in education, science classes have been complemented with didactical resources and materials that allow exploring the sociocultural context and its influence on science. In this Conference, we expect the presentations will apport to the debate on how different humanistic didactical approaches can contribute:

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1. To build a new perspective on science and its meaning to society;

2. To improve science teaching from  teacher’s perspective;

3. To motivate students to learn science and about science.