Public understanding of science: using technology to enhance school science in everyday life

Abstract

In this paper, one aspect of public understanding of science is discussed: the use of school science in students' everyday lives. Given the difficulties of using traditional school science in everyday life, the author discusses the possibility of introducing aspects of technology into the science curriculum. It is shown that technology, as curricular content, provides pragmatic models that can be used to connect school science with students' everyday lives. It is argued that the goal of connecting school science to students' everyday lives moves the discussion of public understanding of science to public understanding of technology. The implications and limitations of this movement are also examined.