High School Students' Perspectives on Science Technology Society: Some Discussions Based on Practice

Abstract

The STS movement seeks to problematize and democratize decision-making processes involving issues related to Science and Technology. In this perspective, the problem that permeates this study is: what are the conceptions of high school students about "Science Technology Society"? To answer this research problem, a study with a predominantly qualitative approach was carried out in the formative itinerary "Science, Technology and Society" at an educational cooperative located in the Caçapava do Sul city, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The data collection instruments were: student productions and educator reports. Overall, this research has shown that the main conceptions of students about STS are: i) Linear development of progress, especially concerning Technological Development necessarily leading to Social Development and improved quality of life; ii) Science only exists if experimentation/observation occurs; iii) Science is associated only with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology; iv) Science is neutral; v) Technology is modern/contemporary apparatus; vi) Society is a gathering of people who relate to each other. These results demonstrate the need for a critical-problematizing scientific education in basic education.