Science as an integrated area of study

Science Education in India has suffered from an inherited separation of the study of natural worlds (material & biotic) & the human worlds. As a result, natural sciences and humanities & social sciences. Insulated spaces have developed in India as two insulated spaces, each with its exclusive and narrow focus. However, our experiences of the ‘real world’ show us repeatedly that the real world is never split into two restricted worlds – the natural and the human; these two worlds are far from separate; they are interconnected, inter-related and often flows into each other; such that natural science studies are not just studies of natural
The Science education community expresses different views about how Science education should be organised. The relative merits of integrated versus subject specific Science in compulsory schools are disputed among teachers, scientists and teacher educators. It is always said that science cannot be taught in isolation. All the branches of science are inter dependent upon each other & there are a number of facts & principles which are common to various science subjects and our real life. How Science and other inseparable sectors in our real life is correlated is explained in the following manner:
Science and Language: Since science is a practical subject, it is very important for the learners to be able to express their views and ideas in clear and attractive form. For this purpose, it is necessary that they should have thorough knowledge of language which they use. Student who does not have good control over the language cannot express his views and various scientific laws and principles in front or others and especially in front of teacher.
Science with Mathematics: A large number of scientific principles and rules are represented in the form of mathematical expressions, for which it is very necessary for the student or person intending to get advanced study of science subjects to have sound mathematical basis. Without making use of mathematical expressions and rules, it is not possible for any teacher to conduct science teaching in effective manner. The significance of mathematics in the science can be proved by the views of the experts that mathematics has given sound footing to the scientific laws and principles. Probably, mathematics is considered to be sole language of science because of which real understanding of science is considered to be impossible without adequate knowledge of mathematics.
Science and History: It sounds quite amazing that some kind of correlation can exist in between the science and history as earlier subject is practical in nature while nature of later subject is purely theoretical. However, it is possible to co-relate these subjects with each other. While mentioning about the various scientific discoveries taken place in the earlier periods, teacher can relate with the major events of the world history. Students should be told about that what was the situation of science at the time of various kings or rulers. Teacher should narrate to the incidences which inspired various scientists to find out the medical remedies of various diseases. Not only this, the function of co-relating science with history can be done by mentioning the kind of standard of living people used to experience at different parts of the human history. With such knowledge, they will become aware of the scientific concepts like sanitation and healthy living.
Science and Geography: Geography is the subject in which various concepts relating to earth on which we live are dealt with. Everything existing on earth, on different planets of the universe are also main subjects of geography. Which kind of crop should be sown in which kind of soils, how many kinds of rocks are found on the earth are some of the main topics which are covered by Geography. In science, various concepts relating to the atmosphere and earth in which living and non-living beings exist are made. Results obtained by science in terms of climate and the manner in which it affects the human beings and earth are being interpreted by subject of Geography. The manner in which it is mentioned by the geography that how soil gets produced through crushing process of rocks, it makes the subject a special branch of science.
Science and Social Studies: If one explores the history of development of human society, he will find various incidences in which human got victory over forces of nature, by which he got control over the land, sky and seas. As said that an important impact of science teaching is that outlook and perspective of students or people become scientific in nature, as a result of which, various kinds of changes take place in their way of living. Scientific thinking affects the standard of living of human beings to considerable extent, as through such information, outlook and perspective of human beings become more wide and they can free themselves successfully from the clutches of superstitions and false beliefs. Various evidences can be found in our life which can show the significant way in which life style of human beings have got affected by inclusion of scientific developments in their life. Thus it can be said that science and social sciences are two subjects which can be co-related with each other without much problem.
Science and Civics: The main objective of imparting information of both the subjects is to create good and useful citizens for the nation, thus it is possible to correlate both of these subjects with each other. Through science, students become able to understand the utility of scientific inventions in their life, by which they become more responsible. They begin to realise a sense of responsibility, which help them in playing important role in development of the nation. Through information of scientific facts, students get to know about various kinds of diseases and the role which they can play in creating a healthy and clean atmosphere around them. Through this kind of information, they become more responsible citizens and play an important role in creating an ideal civic life in the society and nation as a whole.
Science and Art: It is considered by the majority of people that it is science who has contributed a great deal in developing the field of art, but this is not true, as both of these subjects or areas has played important roles in enriching each other. All types of arts have got enriched as a result of scientific development. An artist should know the principles of light and shade, objects and background for drawing or keeping the colour contrast in attractive condition. Thus, it can be said that some common features are found in the subjects of science and art, because of which they can be co-related with each other effectively.
Science and Music: In our nation, music has its own importance as different kinds of songs are found in different parts of the nation. There are songs and theories of music in different languages. For the students of music, knowledge of resonance, vibration systems in strings and air columns is very necessary and important. To make improvements in their voice and manner of singing, various scientific equipment’s are being used today, which could not come into being without scientific developments.
Science and Craft Works: Some people will find it quite unsound to relate science and craft works with each other, but various kinds of improvements can be brought about in ability of students to understand various scientific principles and facts. During craft periods, students can be provided with the task of designing various pieces of scientific apparatuses and equipment’s. Through such step, scientific interest can be developed in the students, which will help in arousing the interest of students in various scientific incidences.
Thus all the branches of science& other sectors in human society are inter- dependent upon each other.
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