The potential of palaeontology for science education

TY - JOUR

T1 - The potential of palaeontology for science education

AU - Estrup, Eliza Jarl

AU - Achiam, Marianne

PY - 2019

Y1 - 2019

N2 - Science education frequently portrays science as a monolithic and experimental endeavour. Here, we argue that to counteract this simplistic conception of science, a reintroduction of the historically oriented sciences is in order. To this end, we analyse the discipline of palaeontology and its educational relevance. Using Kuhn’s disciplinary matrix, we deconstruct palaeontology into elements for educational purposes, and subsequently examine how these elements can be utilised to enrich contemporary science curricula. We conclude by discussing how including palaeontology in science education encourages diversity, pluralism, and ultimately, public interest in science.

AB - Science education frequently portrays science as a monolithic and experimental endeavour. Here, we argue that to counteract this simplistic conception of science, a reintroduction of the historically oriented sciences is in order. To this end, we analyse the discipline of palaeontology and its educational relevance. Using Kuhn’s disciplinary matrix, we deconstruct palaeontology into elements for educational purposes, and subsequently examine how these elements can be utilised to enrich contemporary science curricula. We conclude by discussing how including palaeontology in science education encourages diversity, pluralism, and ultimately, public interest in science.

KW - Faculty of Science

KW - palaentology

KW - education

KW - disciplinary matrix

KW - historical science

KW - experimental science

KW - natural history

U2 - 10.5617/nordina.5253

DO - 10.5617/nordina.5253

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1504-4556

VL - 15

JO - NorDiNa: Nordic Studies in Science Education

JF - NorDiNa: Nordic Studies in Science Education

IS - 1

ER -