Science curriculum
Prepared by
SABARISH-P
M.Sc., M.Ed., JRF & NET
Lecturer in Physical Science, Arafa Institute for Teacher Education
Attur, Thrissur.
The term curriculum is derived from the Latin word
‘currere’ which means 'runway'/'way to run' or a course which one runs to reach a goal. It is
a very important factor in education. In a limited sense curriculum is a
systematic arrangement of courses designed to meet the needs of the pupils. All
the activities going on the school or outside the school is called curriculum.
In a broader sense it includes the complete school environment involving all
the activities, readings and associations furnished to the pupil in the
school.it is the total situation available to the teacher through which he
makes behavior changes.it is basic to the intellectual, physical, moral, and
emotional development of the child. It changes according to the situations and
circumstances of a country. It is designed in accordance with the policy of the
nation. Curriculum generally denotes all that task that are performed by
students.
Definitions of curriculum
CROW & CROW : curriculum includes all the learners
experience in or outside the school that are included in a program which has
been devised to help him to develop mentally,physically,emotionally,spiritually
and morally.
CUNNINGHAM: curriculum is a tool in the hands of the artist
(the teacher), to mould his material (the pupil), according to his ideal
(objective) in his studio (the school).the material is highly self-active and
responds consciously.
General
principles of curriculum construction
- Principles of keeping the aims
- Principles of community centeredness
- Principle of activity centeredness
- Principles of preparation for
life
- Principles of child
centeredness
- Principles of coordination & integration
- Principles of individual
difference & variety
- Principles of totality of
experience
- Principle of conservation
- Principle of creativity
- Principle of forward looking
- Principle of flexibility
- Principle of utility
- Principle of leisure
- Principle of time allotment
Science curriculum
Science
curriculum is a part of general curriculum and it plays an important role in
the development of the innate potentialities of the child. Science is included
in the school curriculum because it contributes to the development of the
personality of the child and to the welfare of the society.
The science curriculum should be such that the learning of Science
should instil in the learner, the ability to observenature, to follow it by
analysing every minute detail of the issues, evidenceand facts related to it,
and to formulate rules that are universally applicable. The Secondary level
science curriculum should focus on creating young scientists with an
inclination for scientific pursuit who are capable of questioning and
experimenting.
Functions of science curriculum
ü To
provide pupils continuous as well as sequential experience
ü To
approach science conceptually rather than factually.
ü To
use scientific method of instruction
ü To
provide deeper insights into the schema of the structure of science.
ü To
provide instruction effectively for individual differences, ability, need and
interest.
ü To
make maximum use of local skills and resources
Criteria
of a good science curriculum
ü Meaningful and purposeful learning experiences should
be provided for students.
ü Learning styles of students should be considered
carefully.
ü Teaching styles of teacher should be considered when
selecting and implementing innovative ideas.
ü Interesting learning experience should be made
available for students.
ü Provision should be made for diverse achievement
levels of students.
