Science Education for Everyday Life

This book provides a comprehensive overview of humanistic approaches to science— approaches that connect students to broader human concerns in their everyday life and culture. Glen Aikenhead, an expert in the field of culturally sensitive science education, summarizes major worldwide historical findings, focuses on present thinking, and offers evidence in support of classroom practice. This highly accessible text covers curriculum policy, teaching materials, teacher orientations and teacher education, student learning, culture studies, and future research.

Featuring important alternative views on the teaching of science, this text:

• Describes an approach to teaching science (grades 6-12) that animates students’ self-identities, encouraging their future contributions to society as savvy citizens and productive workers.
• Addresses the tension between educationally sound ideas and the political realities of schools.
• Presents evidence-based challenges to traditional thinking about school science, illuminating many productive directions for future research.

Glen S. Aikenhead is a Professor of Education at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.

“Humanistic approaches to school science have come of age in this book. The realities of their practice will be of great interest and help to science educators everywhere.”
Peter Fensham, Emeritus Professor of Science Education, Monash University

“The most comprehensive review of the literature on humanistic science education to date. Aikenhead synthesizes decades of research carried out across the globe and comes to some important conclusions regarding what and how science ought to be taught.”
Nancy W. Brickhouse, School of Education, University of Delaware

“This monumental volume will generate discourse and debate among scholars, researchers, and practitioners in science education for years. It is a ‘must read’ for all who have interest in advancing our field!”
James J. Gallagher, Michigan State University