A History of Ideas in Science Education

by George E. DeBoer

By allowing key scientists, researchers, professors, and classroom teachers of science to speak for themselves through their published writings about what is best and needed for the field, Dr DeBoer presents a fascinating account of the history of science education in the United States from the middle of the 19th century to the present. The book relates how science first struggled to find a place in the school curriculum and recounts the many debates over the years about what that curriculum should be. In fact, many of what we consider modern ideas in science education are not new at all but can be traced to writings on education of one hundred years ago. The book is aimed at all those interested in science classroom teachers and science education leaders concerned about the historical justification of the goals and strategies proposed for the field. The book should be enjoyed not only by the researcher but also by anyone curious about just how curriculum is decided upon and implemented on a national scale.

Genres: Education, Science

284 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1990

Reviews

[Kate M · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's pretty obvious I'm reading this as part of my required reading this quarter, but it's a decent book if you are interested in how science came be taught in schools, and about our general education curriculum in schools as well.

[Leanna Aker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice overview of the evolution of science education from the 19th century to 1990 or so. The last chapter is nice, as it looks at where we're headed (or were headed, as of 1990). Very readable, critical, and straightforward.

[Zachary Flessert · Rating 4 out of 5]

DeBoer ironically ends, rather than begins, his book with the following quote:

"I wrote this book so that people associated with the science education enterprise could become better informed about their own ideas and their own practices. I trust that this effort will make us all more thoughtful about what we do and why we do it."

Indeed, and in regards to what I got out of reading the book, mission accomplished!

The book is old (actually as old as I am). It was written in 1991. But is is likely the most comprehensive review of American science education history and it is also widely cited in many academic papers on the history and philosophy of science and science education.

DeBoer has fun with the ideas and is as engaging as the content allows. He is very balanced and gives ideas their best presentation, while also offering the strongest critiques against every idea. The last chapter in particular is a quality review of one way of looking at the structure of the science education enterprise.

Overall, glad my professor used this book as a central text, as it has helped me understand my own practice and profession and become more articulate on many issues and ideas therein.