Life sciences teachers’ views on the nature of science and the nature of indigenous knowledge system : a case study

Abstract: The principle of inclusivity dictates that all learners should be involved in science that embraces their diversity and cultural backgrounds. A learner should be able to have a good understanding of the nature of science (NoS), the influence of ethics and biases in the Life Sciences classroom, and the interrelationship between science and technology, indigenous knowledge(IK) and society (Department of Education, 2003: 12). Learners from different backgrounds should all contribute and participate in what is learnt in the Life Sciences classroom. As they come from different cultural groups they have different ways of perceiving the world around them. Petersen (2010) argues that people from different cultures have contributed to the scientific innovations through their indigenous knowledge. ..M.Ed. (Science Education