Interrogating dilemmas in the primary level science classrooms in Ireland: Outreach and education
Date
2012-04-16Author
Martins Gomes, Diogo
McCauley, Veronica
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Martins Gomes, Diogo, & McCauley, Veronica. (2012). Interrogating dilemmas in the primary level science classrooms in Ireland: Outreach and education. Paper presented at the Ireland's International Conference on Education (IICE-2012), Dublin,16-18 April.
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Abstract
In this day and age, science has become
economically very important. The European Union
(EU) and different EU countries, such as Ireland,
stress that science and technology graduates are
fundamental for economical growth. Consequently, it
is being stated the need for further action to
encourage students to pursue science degrees [1], [2].
One way in which this is being pursued is through
informal science programs, henceforth denominated
as science outreach programs, designed
predominantly by Universities and other
organizations, e.g. Industry, for primary and second
level students [3], [4]. Recent reports highlight the
potential that science outreach can have in improving
student engagement in science and also as a direct
vehicle in assisting science education in the
classroom [5], [6]. This valuable partnership between
schools and science outreach providers [1] [7] cannot
be overemphasized, and as such forms the basis of
this research. This research aims to analyze the
critical reflections and proposed solutions from both
classroom teachers and science outreach
practitioners, in response to dilemmatic cases that
they face at primary level, when developing inquiry
learning activities.