New Perspectives in Science Education

The Portuguese curricula point out the importance of interdisciplinarity when teaching in primary education, namely between Science and Mathematics [1]. Also, in pre-service teaching, students should experience ways of promoting this kind of work. Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) is a pedagogical approach that engages students in new discoveries and allows the connections between these two sciences [2]. This investigation emerged from a joint work asked in two curricular units under Master’s Degree in Preschool and Primary Education – Experimental Science Practices and Methodology for Teaching Mathematics. From a contemporary science issue proposed by students – what to do with all the leftovers from our home meals – they started an investigation towards a clean and environmentally friendly solution. The aim was to design and implement an IBL activity for 4^th grade; students themselves should also go through all IBL’s stages. Mathematical knowledge should be used and integrated all along IBL work. We assumed an interpretative paradigm [3] and developed an action-research project [4]. The participants were the three students that developed this theme and the teachers from both curricular units, that acted as tutors toward all this work. Data were collected through documents’ investigation, experimentations, observation, students’ protocols and informal conversations. The procedures were developed in four phases: (1) the initial investigation performed by students allowed them to choose vermicomposting as the most suitable solution; (2) design of a proposal task to implement in the classroom, following IBL stages; (3) development of the proposal simulating what it is expected in a 4^th grade class, in which science and mathematical knowledge were used to collect, interpret and conclude about data obtained. In practical terms, a worm bin was built, species were selected and conditions for vermicomposting were studied; and (4) from the results and conclusions taken, a second investigation was performed (importance of compost for lettuce growth). During all the procedures, technical and scientific rigor was taken into account. The results shaped that these investigative activities promote scientific reasoning, critical sense, curiosity and introduce students to the scientific method, therefore, developing scientific and mathematical literacy. All the activities promote interdisciplinarity and stimulate student’s participation, exploration, and development of abilities and competencies.