UNDERSTANDING SCIENCE

TEACHING SCIENCE TO CHILDREN

Science is defined differently depending
on the individuals who view it.

The layperson define science as a body of
scientific information;
The scientists view it as procedures by
which hypothesis are tested
A philosopher regards science as a way of
questioning the truthfulness of what we
know.

The Meaning Of Science
Knowledge about the world, especially
based on examination and testing, and
on facts that can be proved.
(Longman Dictionary of Contemporary
English, 2001)
The Meaning Of Science
Systematic knowledge which can be
tested and proven for its truth, branch of
knowledge which is based on the
absolute truth (translated from Kamus
Dewan)

Science is a set of attitudes, thinking
concerning facts, rather what is stated
about facts. (B.K.Skinner)


The Meaning Of Science
Science is not a technique or a set of
knowledge , even though science uses
both of these. Science is more of an
inquiring attitude, observation and
reasoning about this world. Science is
developed, not by memorizing facts or
conclusion to get the answer, but only by
really practicing observation and
reasoning (K.T. Compton).
The Meaning Of Science
Science is the knowledge gathered
through a group of processes that the
people use systematically to make
discoveries about the natural world.
This knowledge is characterized by the
values and attitudes of the people who
use these processes.
Science
Processes Product/
Knowledge/
Content
Values/
Attitude
Consists of
skills
types
In the form of
Basic
Integrated
Fact
Concept
Principle
Law
Theory
Emotion
Intellect
Science Process Skills
Basic
Observing
Classifying
Measuring and
Using
Numbers
Inferring
Predicting
Communicating
Using Space-
Time
Relationship
Integrated

Interpreting Data
Defining
Operationally
Controlling
Variables
Hypothesising
Experimenting
Specific statement about existing object or
actual incidents
acquired after making observations and
measurements
Can be confirmed
E.g.: water exists in spherical form when it
is dropped in the air.







Fact
An abstract idea which is generalised from
facts or specific experiences
Formed base on similar characteristic /
aspects
E.g.: the fact about water can be explain
by the surface tension concept
Examples of other concepts: concepts of
magnet, electric circuit, heat, air pressure.
Concept
A more complex idea based on related
concepts
The relationship between specific
concepts is generalised to form a principal
The best current explanation for an object
or a situation
Can be changed if the new observations
do not support the existing principle

Principle
E.g.: Hot air expands. Its mean if air is
heated, it will expend.
It is principal which relates the concepts of
air, heat and expansion.
Principle
A more stable principle that is generally
more widely accepted, even though it is
still tentative
E.g.: The Law of Conservation of Energy
- energy cannot be created or destroyed,
but changes from one form to another
- Einstein showed that energy can be
created when a small amount of matter is
destroyed
Law
A wide framework which relates facts,
concepts and principle
E.g.: Quantum Theory
Shown that electron as a cloud consisting
of charges which revolve around the
nucleus
Theory
Interested in and inquisitive about natural
surroundings
Flexible and open-minded
Persevering in carrying out new ventures
Co-operative
Compassionate
Thankful to God for His gifts/blessings
Appreciate and practice clean and healthy living
Emotional Attitude
Honest and truthful in recording and
confirming data
Systematic and confident
Responsible for the safety of self, friends
and the environment
Appreciative of the contribution of science
and technology
Be aware that science is one of the ways
to understand nature
Intellectual Attitude
Persamaan

Bermula beribu-ribu tahun dahulu
Melibatkan penyiasatan bersistematik
Membina makna daripada dapatan penyiasatan
Hasil sentiasa diperbaiki
Perbezaan
Sains Aspek Teknologi
Tertumpu kepada
alam semulajadi
Punca Penyiasatan
Masalah penyesuaian
kepada persekitaran
Menjelaskan
fenomena alam
Tujuan
Menyelesaikan
masalah penyesuaian
Analisis Kemahiran Sintesis
Menjalankan
eksperimen
Kaedah Penyelesaian masalah
Idea dalam bentuk
konsep, prinsip,teori
Hasil
Rekaan yang
mengatasi had
keupayaan manusia
Saintis Pakar Jurutera