Mapping the Nature of Science in the Italian Physics Curriculum: From Missing Links to Opportunities for Reform

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  • Author(s): Caramaschi, Martina (ORCID Caramaschi, Martina (ORCID 0000-0003-1950-7824); Cullinane, Alison (ORCID Cullinane, Alison (ORCID 0000-0001-5316-0962); Levrini, Olivia (ORCID Levrini, Olivia (ORCID 0000-0002-4267-3989); Erduran, Sibel (ORCID Erduran, Sibel (ORCID 0000-0001-5226-0136)
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    International Journal of Science Education. 2022 44(1):115-135.
  • Publication Date:
    2022
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      21
    • Education Level:
      Secondary Education
      High Schools
    • Subject Terms:
      Foreign Countries; Physics; Scientific Principles; Secondary School Science; High Schools; Science Curriculum; Curriculum Development; Science Education; Course Content; Cognitive Processes; Network Analysis
    • Subject Terms:
      Italy
    • Accession Number:
      10.1080/09500693.2021.2017061
    • ISSN:
      0950-0693
    • Abstract:
      The article describes the analysis of the Italian physics curriculum documents in terms of the coverage of nature of science (NOS). NOS is not explicitly presented as part of the Italian high-school physics curriculum. The article focuses on analysing the implicit aspects of the curriculum documents. The Family Resemblance Approach (FRA) to NOS was used as an analytical lens. FRA was chosen because of the broad range of categories that it provides to trace curriculum content. Curriculum documents were analysed using the FRA categories as well as an Epistemic Network Analysis (ENA) which has shown important limitations in the FRA categories 'Political Power Structures, Scientific Ethos, Professional Activities'. These aspects of NOS belong to the social-institutional aspects of the FRA framework. There were also some inconsistencies between the general section and the specific sections of the curriculum. The study elaborates on how FRA and ENA can be used to analyse NOS content in a science curriculum. The epistemic networks provide concrete illustrations of where curriculum revision can best be carried out to promote underrepresented aspects of NOS. Implications for future research and recommendations for curriculum reform internationally are suggested.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2022
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1337465