The importance of natural science learning at early stage of school education

Abstract

The subject of this paper is the importance of early natural science education for the existence of a human being in the modern world. A historical context of this issue, showing the universality of appreciation of early natural science education since ancient times, was presented. On this background, the main foundations of selected modern systems of natural science education, illustrated with an example of Polish and British education, were discussed. A particular attention was paid to the STSE education system, adapted in many countries and being a response to the environmental needs and hazards. The analysis leads to the conclusion that the theoretical and curriculum foundations of modern educational systems generally recognize the importance of early natural science education including pro-health and pro-ecological education. However, the sole curriculum foundations are not sufficient as their application in everyday school practice is more important. Early natural science knowledge is the basis for the future education in the fields of biology, biotechnology, chemistry or medicine which forms the foundations for many professions of a particular importance for the development of civilization. It is also very important in forming the skills of dealing with dangers, which the civilization poses to human health and to the conditions of the environment.