A Science Education that Promotes the Characteristics of Science and Scientists: Features of Content, Activities and Materials

Those involved in STEM research are well aware of why what they are investigating is worth pursuing. They also conceptually understand the rationale for the research activities and tasks they undertake and why the equipment and other materials they employ are needed in their work. Similarly, STEM education students should understand what makes the content they are studying worthwhile, the conceptual basis for the activities and tasks they partake, and conceptually understand the role materials play in their work. Moreover, STEM educators at all levels should deliberately think about their rationale for all of this, and overtly draw students’ attention to, and have them reflect on, the conceptual nature of these issues