Pupils' conceptions of science and scientists and possibilities of influencing them

The aim of the diploma thesis was to describe pupils' conceptions of science and scientists and also to suggest some possibilities to influence them. In the theoretical part of the thesis common knowledge of pupils' conceptions of science and scientists is described. It also summarises researches following up these issues, and conceptions of science education at primary school in the Czech Republic and other chosen states. In the empirical part a research focused on getting information about pupils' knowledge of science and scientists and their approach is presented. The results show, that pupils' conceptions of science and scientists are heterogeneous and the role of out-of-school activities of chosen pupils was more significant than influence of school. In the final part of the thesis there are appropriate ways how to influence pupils' conceptions of the area of science at school are outline