Level of Understanding of Junior High School Students on the Nature of Science

Abstract

The impact of science and technology on modern society has been so deep that the print and electronic media often announce the latest advancements in science and technology. The need to promote a society of scientifically literate citizens is regarded as urgent in many countries and is accepted as one of the main goals of science education.  In this sense, educating for scientific literacy entails not only teaching science concepts and theories but also learning about the nature of these concepts. However, numerous studies have shown that many students and even teachers possess an inadequate understanding of science and its nature. The study employed descriptive method to determine the level of understanding on the nature of science of 279 Grade 10 junior high school students in one of the public schools in Catbalogan City.  This study covered the following: characteristics of scientific knowledge, observations and inferences, change of scientific theories, scientific laws versus theories, social and cultural influences on science, imagination and creativity, and methodology  in scientific investigations. The study revealed that Grade 10 students have moderate understanding on the nature of science. Therefore, in-service science teachers should employ varied teaching strategies that will enhance and maximize students’ understanding of science concepts like the use of different laboratory activities which require students’ application of the integrated science process skills for them to internalize and apply science concepts.  Likewise, the parents are advised to provide their children’s basic needs since their income affects the level of understanding of students towards the subject.