Bridging Humanities and Science Education : The SCISSORS Project

Abstract

As a reader, interested in education, you know that science education is more than just teaching scientific concepts and theories. It is about nurturing the students’ curiosity, motivation, and critical thinking skills. However, have you ever considered the connection between science and social competencies? This is where our innovative approach comes in. The purpose of this ebook is to lay the pedagogical foundation for an educational framework combining the sciences and the humanities, and achieve impact through collaborative research and educational activities. Designed for educators, principals of educational institutions and decision-makers seeking to implement a novel pedagogical program, this resource presents valuable materials. Through exploring research-based insights and good practices from Hungary, and Finland, the primary goal is to influence the perspective of teachers regarding the instruction of sciences combined with humanities. This ebook advocates for a paradigm shift where soft skills and critical, analytical thinking are not seen in contrast but as interdependent, fostering a symbiotic relationship for a more impactful and holistic education. Our educational framework offers a pathway for integrating the development of social competencies into the existing structures of diverse school systems, eliminating the necessity for additional staff. Implementing our approach is a preventative measure against burnout for science teachers and other educators and fosters creativity and self-reflection throughout the teaching and learning journey. This method empowers teachers to link natural scientific discoveries with social occurrences, rendering them tangible and comprehensible for students.