Brazilian Primary and Secondary School Pupils´ Perception of Science and Scientists
The purpose of this study is to understand in an exploratory way pupils´ perception of science and the image of scientists at primary and second.
- Pub. date: January 15, 2017
- Pages: 29-40
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The purpose of this study is to understand in an exploratory way pupils´ perception of science and the image of scientists at primary and secondary school levels. Data was collected by means of a survey questionnaire and a drawing representing pupils´ depiction what scientists do during their working hours. A questionnaire anchored on a Likert scale was filled by 204 primary and 229 secondary school children. Pupils from this sample considered science classes enjoyable, helped to understand issues covered by media, that science is a body of knowledge whose goal is to make life more comfortable to people. A total of 433 drawings were collected at 3 urban and 1 rural schools. Drawings illustrated scientists in scientific activity, mainly working alone, wearing lab coat and eyeglasses. Scientific specialization included chemists, biologists and a few technologist and astronomers. Educational implications are discussed.
Keywords: Scientist image, science, questionnaire, drawings, pupils
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