Doing Science

Book excerpt: Doing Science is unique in seeking to make explicit the links between science education and science studies. These fields of study and their respective academic communities, whilst appearing to have many potential points of contact, remain surprisingly separate, with little apparent recognition of the relevance to the interests of each of the work done within the other tradition. Presenting detailed accounts of current research, the book highlights the significance of modern science studies for classroom practice and, conversely, the importance of the classroom and teaching laboratory as a context for science studies. The thread which runs through the collection as a whole is children's experience of doing science and the image of science which learners pick up along with the science knowledge, understanding and skills they require.