Scientific Knowledge as a Culture: The Pleasure of Understanding

The book provides a conceptual history of physics topics based on research in physics education and research-based articles. It introduces a framework that views scientific knowledge as a special type of culture-discipline, structured in a triadic pattern: nucleus-body-periphery. This approach encourages meaningful learning of science by incorporating history, philosophy of science, and artistic images into teaching physics. It helps students and teachers understand science better, addressing misconceptions reported in educational research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 477 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realms of conceptual history, encompassing a wide range of physics topics. In its initial section, it presents a rich tapestry of units, each meticulously crafted based on extensive research in physics education and scholarly articles focused on various aspects of teaching science, particularly physics.

The second part of the book takes us on a fascinating journey, unveiling the framework employed. This framework views scientific knowledge as a unique cultural-disciplinary domain, where fundamental theories are hierarchically structured in a triadic pattern: nucleus, body, and periphery. The nucleus encompasses the core principles, while the body encompasses their practical applications in a diverse array of laws, models, and experiments. The periphery, on the other hand, houses concepts that may diverge from the nucleus.

This innovative structure introduces knowledge in its conceptual variations, seamlessly transforming disciplinary knowledge into cultural-disciplinary wisdom. The approach draws upon the rich tapestry of history and philosophy of science (HPS), essential for meaningful learning of science. It is exemplified in numerous facets related to teaching physics, such as integrating history into classroom discussions, recognizing the distinct nature of science, and incorporating artistic images into regular teaching practices.

The profound conceptual debate that unfolds around the selected topics serves as a clarion call for school students and teachers alike, fostering the construction of Cultural Content Knowledge. Often overlooked in teacher preparation and mainstream curricula, this knowledge helps to deepen students' understanding of science, thereby rectifying misconceptions often reported in educational research.

In conclusion, this book is a treasure trove of insights, offering a comprehensive and transformative exploration of conceptual history in physics. It empowers educators to impart knowledge in a manner that fosters genuine comprehension, enabling students to embark on a journey of scientific discovery and enlightenment.

Weight: 765g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030802035
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021