This is the age of science and scientific wonders and achievements. science is very comprehensive and all-inclusive. It touches the life of all of us in so many ways. We cannot think of life without science. It is a very important subject and form an integral part of school curriculum all over the world. There is growing awareness of the importance of science among teachers, students and parents. And this is in keeping with the expanding horizons of science and scientific achievements. We live in a scientific and technological age and therefore, its knowledge is of great significant.
Like any other school subjects, science is very important for the proper mental development of students. Along with other subjects, science forms an integral part of school education. science helps the students to have objective and factual knowledge of the world of nature and life. Science has changed the pattern of life in an unprecedented way. Without the knowledge of science, appreciation and understanding of the modern life would not be possible. Science has revolutionized and liberalized life. The wonders of science, what it has done for humanity, what it will do for humanity in future, these questions can be best answered and understood by the study of science itself.
The study of science subjects inculcates in the student a dedication and thirst for the truth. It teach the value of deep and objective observation, analysis and collection of various things and happenings. It gives an insight into the laws of nature and their operation. The training and knowledge in science imparts scientific methodology to the students which can be easily transferred in solving the problems of life and arriving at solution s of even complex situations. By studying science, the students become disciplined, observant, analytical, careful and systematic. Gradually these habits, skills and abilities become part of their character and conduct. By studying science and doing practical in the laboratory the students become more disciplined, industrious and objective.
Study of science broadens our outlook and widens our mental horizon. Then our vision and concepts become more practical and realistic.The works and life of great scientists like J.C. Bose, Galileo, Newton, Einstein etc. are bound to have far reaching and ennobling effects on the career and life of the students. Their lives and works can be a great source of inspiration, optimism, hard work and dispassionate study of the phenomena of nature. Scientists lead a life full of dedication, commitment, frugality and strict self discipline. By studying the biographies of them some of these qualities are bound to be generated in the readers as well.
The utilitarian value of science teaching is also great. It enables the student to be practical and realistic to face the challenges of life with courage. It teaches how to be self-reliant and independent and fend for oneself economically. A student who has studied science subjects and got practical training stands for better chances for self-employment than any other student who has not been a science student. In this wonderful and exiting world of science, it is essential that our young-men and women in schools and colleges are given a sound knowledge of the subject.They should be taught the laws, methods, applications and achievements of science along with such other subjects as history, civics, language, literature or philosophy.They should be taught the first principles of the basic sciences in simple, clear and intelligible language.
It is desirable that like any other subject, science should also be taught to the students in their mother tongues. When science is taught in English or an alien language, the student tend to cram things and reproduce facts and figures verbatim in the examination. But then they fail to imbibe the knowledge or relate it to the events and facts of life. Cramming and mugging up facts and figures is not learning science. Learning science in any other language than one's mother tough becomes burdensome, tortuous and a mere ritual. Such a learning cannot be permanent nor will it inspire confidence and commitment to the subject. To make study of science interesting and popular it is imperative that the students are saved from the fear of failure and terminal examinations. It cannot be done unless science teachers are well qualified and professionally fully prepared. They should also be given opportunities of refresh courses to enable them to update and upgrade their knowledge and skills. The quality of teacher preparation is the key factor in successful teaching of science in schools. Teaching and learning of science should be easy, simple, natural and without any kind of fear.
It is only through teaching of science in the schools that scientific temperament can be developed in the young generation of the country. Its teaching helps positively in the removal of superstitions and social evils. The solution of many of our present problems lie in science and its study. Its study equips us well to seek their effective solutions.
The role that teaching of science plays in solving human problems can hardly be overemphasized. science has opened new horizons of knowledge, learning and hope and many more are waiting to be opened in future. Obviously, teaching of science in schools has to play a very significant role in improving the quality of life.