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Course Material for B.Ed. (First Year) (2016-2017) Course 7 (a): Pedagogy of Biological Science   (Part –I Methodology) ''' Course Objectives: At the end of the course, the student – teachers will be able to: 1.	To discuss (understand) the aims and objectives of teaching Biological Science 2.	To formulate instructional objectives for a lesson in Biological Science 3.	To demonstrate (gain mastery of) the teaching skills in Biological Science 4.	To apply various methods in teaching of Biological Science 5.	To use various resources in teaching Biological Science

Unit - 1   Aims and objectives of teaching Biological Science Objectives: • To obtain knowledge on the nature and scope of biological science. • To understand the aims and objectives of teaching of biological science. • To examine the need and significance of teaching of biological science. • To explore the values of teaching of biological science.

1. Biological Science: Meaning, nature and scope 1.1 Introduction

The science which deals with the study of living and non living things is called Biology. Thus the subject involves the studies of all kinds of Biological Science: Meaning, nature and scope micro-organisms, plants and animals. Biology is related to mankind ever since the origin of man, therefore this branch of science stands first in order of studies as compared to other branches of science. Ever since the origin of life man is eager to know about various phenomenon of life processes such as health and disease, birth, growth and death. However, man depends on plants and animals for food shelter and clothing which are immediate needs of life, come from Biology. Perhaps it was the elementary need of man to know about the living beings, so that maximum benefits can be drawn out of them. Though biology involves study of life, but now a day it is mostly centralized with the study of agriculture, animal husbandry, health and microbiology and related branches. Today study of any branch of science is not possible in isolation as it also involves principles of physics, chemistry and various other branches.

1.2 Biological Science: Meaning

Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, identification and taxonomy. Biology literally means "the study of life". Biology is such a broad field, covering the minute workings of chemical machines inside our cells, to broad scale concepts of ecosystems and global climate change. Biologists study intimate details of the human brain, the composition of our genes, and even the functioning of our reproductive system. In Biology, we study about nature which means the entire universe. The knowledge is now organized in several disciplines for the convenience of study. This knowledge is based on inquiry, observations and logical extensions, and is testable by experiment or has logically convincing explanation.

1.2 Biological Science: Definitions 1. Science contains knowledge that has utilitarian value. It also shows the way to reach that knowledge. 2. Science is a subject that explains the cause and effect relationship of many incidents. 3. Science is a knowledge that has generated from the daily used common sense. 4. Science is a subject that explains various components and the characters of nature. 5. Science is both a body of knowledge and the process of acquiring and refining knowledge.

1.3 Nature and Scope Biology has certain characteristics which distinguish it from other spheres of human endeavor. These characteristics define the nature of biology. Humans have always been curious about the world around them. The inquiring and imaginative human minds have responded to the wonder and awe of nature in different ways. One kind of response from the earliest times has been to observe the physical and biological environment carefully, look for any meaningful patterns and relations, make and use new tools to interact with nature, and build conceptual models to understand the world. This human endeavor is Biology. But Biology is ultimately a social endeavor. Biology is knowledge and knowledge is power. With power can come wisdom and liberation? Or, as sometimes happens, unfortunately, power can breed arrogance and domination. Biology has the potential to be beneficial or harmful, emancipative or oppressive. History, particularly in the twentieth century, is full of examples of this dual role of Biology.

NATURE OF SCIENCE •	Science is a body of knowledge •	Science is a method of inquiry, a way of investigating •	Science is an attitude towards life: a way of thinking. Science as a body of knowledge – science has been characterized as a body of knowledge obtained by scientists. Various types of scientific knowledge exist in the form of facts, concepts, principles, laws, hypothesis & theories. - Science as a process – In science, the ways of gathering information, thinking, measuring, problem solving are called process of science. Basic processes of science are observation, comparison, classification, communication, measurement, estimation & prediction. The quality of knowledge acquired in science depends on the quality of process skills applied. The various processes of science can be classified into five categories: •	Collection of data •	Analysis of data •	Synthesis of data •	Evaluation of data •	Application of generalizations to new situations •	Science as a product – Whatever information or ideas we acquire through various processes of science form the product of science. The basic components of the product of science are facts, concepts, principles, theories & laws. •	Science as both a process and a product – Science is both a body of knowledge & the process of acquiring it. Science is both a verb & a noun. These two aspects are interdependent & inseparable. •	Science viewed as a method of inquiry – according to Karl Pearson the scientific method involves the following six steps: •	Identification of the problem •	Gathering observations relevant to the problem on hand •	Statement of a hypothesis based on observations gathered •	Testable predictions of other related observable phenomena are developed from the hypothesis •	The hypothesis is tested through observations •	As a result of empirical observations, the hypothesis is supported, rejected or modified. Science teachers should emphasize to their students that scientists do approach the solution of any specific problem in an organized manner. •	Science as an attitude towards life – a person with scientific attitude will have the following Characteristics: •	Open mindedness •	Objectivity •	Freedom from belief in superstitions •	Belief in cause – effect relationship •	Accuracy & truthfulness in reporting observations •	Methodical way of solving problem on hand •	Up-to-datedness •	Respect for other people's opinion, though he may not agree with them •	Ability to distinguish between scientific evidence & scientific proof •	Ability to discern between fact & fiction.

1.3.1 SCOPE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE The science which deals with the study of structure, organization, life processes, interactions, origin and evolution of living organisms is called biology. Aristotle is regarded to as the Father of Biology. Biological science has been divided into 3 main branches: 	Zoology: It is the study of animals and the facts related to their life. 	Botany: It deals with the study of plants. 	Microbiology: It deals with the study of simpler, unicellular and microscopic organisms. 	Biology reveals to us the secrets of life uncovered by biologists through centuries of researches. 	It is of great importance to mankind in a practical sense and has various scopes, some of which are given below. 1.	Anthropology: •	The science of man and mankind including the study of the physical and mental constitution of man. •	It also deals with the cultural development, social tradition as exhibited by them both in their past and present. 2.	Biomedical engineering: •	Branch of engineering dealing with the production of spare parts for man. •	Biomedical engineers help in manufacturing of artificial limbs, heart, lungs etc. used by doctors to help impaired bodies function properly. 3.	Biotechnology: •	It deals with the use of living organisms or of substances obtained from them in industrial processes. 4.	Food technology: •	The science of processing and preservation of healthy foods. •	Dairy technology: The application of science for the manufacture of milk product. •	Apiculture: The rearing of honey bees, bee keeping especially for commercial purposes. •	Fishery or Pisiculture: The industry of rearing and catching fish or the products of the sea, lakes, rivers or ponds. •	Sericulture: The breeding and treatment of silkworms for producing raw silk. 5.	Genetic engineering: •	It involves genetic manipulations to produce an organism with a new combination of genes to improve the varieties. •	Application of scientific knowledge to question civil and criminal laws is called forensic science which includes the study of fingerprints, blood typing etc. 6.	Veterinary medicine: •	It deals with the study of domesticated animals and their health care. •	The Science dealing with the rearing of domestic fowls such as chicken, ducks, turkeys etc. is called poultry science. 7.	Medicine: •	It is the science of treating diseases with drugs or curative substances. •	The science dealing with the study of nature of diseases, their causes, symptoms and effects is called pathology. •	The branch of medicine involving the physical operations to cure diseases or injuries to the body is called surgery. •	The science of knowledge of drugs and preparation of medicine or drugs is called pharmacology. •	Care of teeth, including cleaning and polishing, removal of spoiled teeth, filling and fitting of artificial teeth is called dentistry. 8.	Therapy: •	A method of treatment of convalescents and for physically handicapped people utilizing light work of diversion, physical exercise or vocational training is called occupational therapy. •	The treatment of diseases, bodily weakness or defects by physical remedies such as massage and exercise is called physiotherapy. 1.4 Aims and Objectives of Teaching Biological Science in Schools There are certain philosophies that suggest how we should live our live lives. We have adopted a democratic way of life and our education should prove to be an instrument to achieve our individual  and social aims. Every subject, therefore, taught in the school has some aims and objectives of its teaching. The teaching of biological sciences has also certain aims and objectives for which this is taught in the schools. These can be discussed as follows:- 1. Knowledge of teaching biological science 2. Skills of teaching biological science 3. Abilities of teaching biological science 4. Scientific methods of teaching biological science 5. Scientific attitudes of teaching biological science 6. Interests of teaching biological science 7. Appreciation of teaching biological science 8. Habit formation of teaching biological science 9. Career specialization of teaching biological science 10. Use of leisure of teaching biological science

1. Knowledge of teaching biological science One of the major aims of teaching biological sciences has been imparting knowledge to the students. Knowledge in the form of the content may be various plants and animal groups, structure and functions of organisms, interdependence of plants and animals, genetic principles, molecular basis of life, evolution, dates, events, terminology and formulae involved and application of the knowledge in our daily life activities etc. Concepts are generally of three types viz., Classification - as all flowering plants are angiosperms. Correlation - when you enter a warm room you perspire sweating is related to rise in temperature. Theoretical – An atom is made up of electrons, protons and neutrons. 2. Skills of teaching biological science Teaching of biological sciences also aims at developing certain skills in the students. These may be experimental, constructional and drawing skills. In experimental skills we can include handling of apparatus that are used in life science practical, and set of experiments. We can also make students learn collection, culturing and preservation of plant and animal organisms. In constructional skills we can teach the students making of some simple apparatus that can be used for experiments light screens or photosynthesis experiments or some glass apparatus or preparation of certain stains or preservatives or models etc. in developing drawing skills we can teach the methods of drawing of figures of plants and animals and their internal structures. They can be asked to prepare certain parts of organisms and systems. Along with this student skill in taking observations, solving problems and making inquiry can be developed. 3. Abilities of teaching biological science 	Teaching of life sciences should also aim at developing certain abilities in the students. 	These can be ability to sense problems, organization and interpretation of data, analysis and drawing of generalizations and conclusions. 	Students studying life sciences should be able to locate reliable source for data collection. They should also be able to argue, discuss and use the terminology in the subject. 	Students should also be able to apply their acquired knowledge in solving their daily life problems. 4. Scientific attitude of teaching biological science They should aim at developing a particular bent of mind, in the students towards ideas, events and living world that based on scientific explanations is called scientific attitude. For this purpose, this subject should be taught in a systematic way. 5. Scientific method of teaching biological science Scientific method is a systematic way of solving problems. This is a method that scientists undertake in every type of working. Scientific method involves are defining the problem, making observations, hypothesis, testing the hypothesis and drawing of conclusion or generalization. Science enhances the quality of our life and it is visible in all walks of life. Since science has been developed by people who are part of a group, society or a country, it is expected that their social, psychological, political, economic perceptions could change the course of development of science. The science education is aimed for the learner to

	 know the facts and principles of science and its applications, consistent with the stage of  cognitive development; 	 acquire the skills and understand the methods of processes that lead to generation and validation of scientific knowledge; 	 develop a historical and developmental perspective of science and to enable her to view  science as a continuing social enterprise; 	 relate science education to environment (natural environment, artifacts and people), local as well as global and appreciate the issues at the interface of science, technology and society; 	  acquire the requisite theoretical knowledge and practical technological skills to enter the world of work; 	 nurture the natural curiosity, aesthetic sense and creativity in science and technology; 	 imbibe the values of honesty, integrity, cooperation, concern for life and preservation of environment; and 	 Cultivate scientific temper- objectivity, scepticism, critical thinking and freedom from fear and prejudice. 1.5 Values of Teaching Biological Science Science has now become a compulsory subject in the school curriculum because of its multifarious value to the individual as well as the society. 1. Intellectual Value: The Science has introduced us to new ways of thinking and reasoning. Scientific knowledge helps to sharpen our intellect & promotes intellectual honesty. The science education can develop the positive attitudes like open mindedness such positive is helpful to an individual to understand, evaluate and solve many problems faced in life. 2. Vocational Value: In present age all the vocation need the knowledge of science more ever there are large no of vocations for which study of science is compulsory requirement examples: Medicine, Engineering, Computers, Para medicines, agriculture, etc. The study of science at a school level is the basis of many vocations & other productive activities in the latter life of students. 3. Aesthetic Value: Knowledge of science develops in man a passion for truth & thus he has a passion for beauty. The English Poet Keats has said, “Truth is Beauty.” Science is basically unfolding of the mysteries of nature & nature is a storehouse of all the beautiful things. Thus the teaching of science is necessary for developing an aesthetic sense in an individual. 4. Utilitarian Value: Scientific principles & laws find a large number of applications in our everyday life. For proper utility of such applications knowledge of science is necessary Electronics, Electricity, Communication, transport, etc. all integral part of our life is strongly influenced & advanced due to advancement in science. Thus the teaching of science is necessary from a utilitarian point of view. 5. Cultural Value: Science has played an important role in determining the culture & civilization of a country from time to time. It has affected our way of thinking & way of living. Science has a direct influence in dispelling many traditional beliefs. Science has made us more aware of the universe we live. The scientists take an equal responsible part in the vital issue of our country so as to bring about the consideration & integration of scientific developments & our cultural heritage. 6. Moral Value: Knowledge of science develops in us truthfulness & reasoning. These qualities are desirable in all human beings. These qualities make the life worth living. This could be possible with the teaching of science. 7. Psychological Value: Teaching of science is essential for developing scientific attitudes & scientific temper. The principle of learning by doing is the main basis of the teaching of science & satisfies the instincts of curiosity, creativity, self assertion, self expression etc. of the pupils. 8. Adjustment Value: Science develops in us a scientific attitude. It also develops into an individual a problem solving attitude. These attitudes help to solve any problems in life successfully. A person having a scientific attitude lives a peaceful & successful life. 9. Leisure Time Value: Science has helped us to overcome the problem of passing our leisure time & to make best use of it. Science has provided us with a large number of devices such as television, radio, cinema etc., which are the source of entertainment for all of us. They also serve as a source of knowledge & are used for spread of mass education & making the community aware of dangers of various ills. Science has also provided a large number of hobbies which we can pursue in our leisure time. For example Photography. Thus, from the above discussion, it is very clear that a subject which is so valuable & psychologically based and so closely connected with our daily life, is justified to be included in the curriculum & hence science education is valuable in students individual life as also his life in society. Let us Sum Up There is no definition of general science or science which is universally accepted. In general we can define science as an accumulated and systematized learning in general usage restricted to natural phenomenon. Science is the activity where truthfulness is obviously an essential condition for success. Its success is measured by its truthfulness. Today each and every occasion of life is influenced by science has become an integral part of our school education system.

Review Questions for Discussion 1. What is the meaning of biological science? 2. Write the nature and scope of biological science. 3. How will you determine the teaching points in biology? 4 Explain the aims and objectives of teaching biology. 5. What are the need and significance of teaching of biological science?

Prepared By                                                                            Dr.Mrs.C.Shanmuga Priya, Assistant Prof in Biological Science Peniel Rural College of Education, Vemparali, Dindigul Dist.