Science Teaching : The Contribution of History and Philosophy of Science

Science Teaching explains how history and philosophy of science contributes to the resolution of persistent theoretical, curricular, and pedagogical issues in science education. It shows why it is essential for science teachers to know and appreciate the history and philosophy of the subject they teach and how this knowledge can enrich science instruction and enthuse students in the subject. Through its historical perspective, the book reveals to students, teachers, and researchers the foundations of scientific knowledge and its connection to philosophy, metaphysics, mathematics, and broader social influences including the European Enlightenment, and develops detailed arguments about constructivism, worldviews and science, multicultural science education, inquiry teaching, values, and teacher education. Fully updated and expanded, the 20th Anniversary Edition of this classic text, featuring four new chapters―The Enlightenment Tradition; Joseph Priestley and Photosynthesis; Science, Worldviews and Education; and Nature of Science Research―and 1,300 references, provides a solid foundation for teaching and learning in the field.

Michael R. Matthews is an Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He is Founding Editor of the international journal Science & Education; Founding President of the International History, Philosophy and Science Teaching Group; and President of the Inter-Divisional Teaching Commission of the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science. He has trained, taught and published in science education and in history and philosophy of science.