TY - JOUR
T1 - Student understanding and application of science concepts in the context of an integrated curriculum setting
AU - Venville, Grady
AU - Rennie, L.
AU - Wallace, J.
PY - 2005
Y1 - 2005
N2 - The integration of science with other disciplines is a popular curriculumreform strategy. However, there is an absence of empirical research into how studentsunderstand and apply science concepts in integrated curricula settings. This case studyfocuses on three pairs of Year 9 students and their understanding and application of theconcepts of electrical circuit and current in the construction of a solar-powered boat. Ourresults revealed some limited evidence of students applying formal science knowledgeto complete their projects and bridge the discipline boundaries. However, students did notalways hold and use the accepted scientific view of electrical current as they undertook theirprojects. We conclude that integrated approaches to teaching science may be appropriateto engage students in using scientific knowledge as a tool to solve real-world problems, butraise some questions as to whether they improve conceptual understanding.
AB - The integration of science with other disciplines is a popular curriculumreform strategy. However, there is an absence of empirical research into how studentsunderstand and apply science concepts in integrated curricula settings. This case studyfocuses on three pairs of Year 9 students and their understanding and application of theconcepts of electrical circuit and current in the construction of a solar-powered boat. Ourresults revealed some limited evidence of students applying formal science knowledgeto complete their projects and bridge the discipline boundaries. However, students did notalways hold and use the accepted scientific view of electrical current as they undertook theirprojects. We conclude that integrated approaches to teaching science may be appropriateto engage students in using scientific knowledge as a tool to solve real-world problems, butraise some questions as to whether they improve conceptual understanding.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/14644395566
U2 - 10.1007/s10763-005-2838-3
DO - 10.1007/s10763-005-2838-3
M3 - Article
SN - 1571-0068
VL - 1
SP - 449
EP - 475
JO - International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education
JF - International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education
ER -
