This unit discusses (understand) the aims and objectives of teaching Biological Science, instructional objectives for a lesson in Biological Science, and how to teach demonstrate (gain mastery of) the teaching skills in Biological Science and apply various methods in the teaching of Biological Science and use various resources in teaching Biological Science.

1. Unit I Aims and objectives of teaching Biological Science 1
TAMIL NADU TEACHERS EDUCATION UNIVERSITY
Chennai-600 097
Course Material for B.Ed. (First Year)
(2016-2017)
Course 7 (a): Pedagogy of Biological Science (Part –I Methodology)
Course Objectives:
At the end of the course, the student – teachers will be able to:
1. To discuss (understand) the aims and objectives of teaching
Biological Science
2. To formulate instructional objectives for a lesson in Biological
Science
3. To demonstrate (gain mastery of) the teaching skills in
Biological Science
4. To apply various methods in teaching of Biological Science
5. To use various resources in teaching Biological Science

2. Unit I Aims and objectives of teaching Biological Science 2
Unit - 1 Aims and objectives of teaching Biological Science
Objectives:
• To obtain knowledge on the nature and scope of biological science.
• To understand the aims and objectives of teaching of biological science.
• To examine the need and significance of teaching of biological science.
• To explore the values of teaching of biological science.
1. Biological Science: Meaning, nature and scope
1.1 Introduction
The science which deals with the study of living and non living things is called
Biology. Thus the subject involves the studies of all kinds of Biological Science: Meaning,
nature and scope micro-organisms, plants and animals. Biology is related to mankind ever
since the origin of man, therefore this branch of science stands first in order of studies as
compared to other branches of science. Ever since the origin of life man is eager to know
about various phenomenon of life processes such as health and disease, birth, growth and
death. However, man depends on plants and animals for food shelter and clothing which are
immediate needs of life, come from Biology. Perhaps it was the elementary need of man to
know about the living beings, so that maximum benefits can be drawn out of them. Though
biology involves study of life, but now a day it is mostly centralized with the study of
agriculture, animal husbandry, health and microbiology and related branches. Today study of
any branch of science is not possible in isolation as it also involves principles of physics,
chemistry and various other branches.
1.2 Biological Science: Meaning
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms,
including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, identification and
taxonomy.
Biology literally means "the study of life". Biology is such a broad field, covering the
minute workings of chemical machines inside our cells, to broad scale concepts of
ecosystems and global climate change.

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Biologists study intimate details of the human brain, the composition of our genes, and
even the functioning of our reproductive system.
In Biology, we study about nature which means the entire universe. The knowledge is
now organized in several disciplines for the convenience of study. This knowledge is based
on inquiry, observations and logical extensions, and is testable by experiment or has logically
convincing explanation.
1.2 Biological Science: Definitions
1. Science contains knowledge that has utilitarian value. It also shows the way to reach
that knowledge.
2. Science is a subject that explains the cause and effect relationship of many incidents.
3. Science is a knowledge that has generated from the daily used common sense.
4. Science is a subject that explains various components and the characters of nature.
5. Science is both a body of knowledge and the process of acquiring and refining
knowledge.
1.3 Nature and Scope
Biology has certain characteristics which distinguish it from other spheres of human
endeavor. These characteristics define the nature of biology. Humans have always been
curious about the world around them. The inquiring and imaginative human minds have
responded to the wonder and awe of nature in different ways. One kind of response from the
earliest times has been to observe the physical and biological environment carefully, look for
any meaningful patterns and relations, make and use new tools to interact with nature, and
build conceptual models to understand the world. This human endeavor is Biology. But
Biology is ultimately a social endeavor. Biology is knowledge and knowledge is power. With
power can come wisdom and liberation? Or, as sometimes happens, unfortunately, power can
breed arrogance and domination. Biology has the potential to be beneficial or harmful,
emancipative or oppressive. History, particularly in the twentieth century, is full of examples
of this dual role of Biology.

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NATURE OF SCIENCE
 Science is a body of knowledge
 Science is a method of inquiry, a way of investigating
 Science is an attitude towards life: a way of thinking.
Science as a body of knowledge – science has been characterized as a body of knowledge
obtained by scientists. Various types of scientific knowledge exist in the form of facts,
concepts, principles, laws, hypothesis & theories.
- Science as a process – In science, the ways of gathering information, thinking, measuring,
problem solving are called process of science. Basic processes of science are observation,
comparison, classification, communication, measurement, estimation & prediction. The
quality of knowledge acquired in science depends on the quality of process skills applied.
The various processes of science can be classified into five categories:
 Collection of data
 Analysis of data
 Synthesis of data
 Evaluation of data
 Application of generalizations to new situations
 Science as a product – Whatever information or ideas we acquire through various
processes of science form the product of science. The basic components of the product of
science are facts, concepts, principles, theories & laws.
 Science as both a process and a product – Science is both a body of knowledge &
the process of acquiring it. Science is both a verb & a noun. These two aspects are
interdependent & inseparable.
 Science viewed as a method of inquiry – according to Karl Pearson the scientific
method involves the following six steps:
 Identification of the problem
 Gathering observations relevant to the problem on hand
 Statement of a hypothesis based on observations gathered
 Testable predictions of other related observable phenomena are developed from the
hypothesis
 The hypothesis is tested through observations

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 As a result of empirical observations, the hypothesis is supported, rejected or
modified.
Science teachers should emphasize to their students that scientists do approach the solution of
any specific problem in an organized manner.
 Science as an attitude towards life – a person with scientific attitude will have the
following
Characteristics:
 Open mindedness
 Objectivity
 Freedom from belief in superstitions
 Belief in cause – effect relationship
 Accuracy & truthfulness in reporting observations
 Methodical way of solving problem on hand
 Up-to-datedness
 Respect for other people's opinion, though he may not agree with them
 Ability to distinguish between scientific evidence & scientific proof
 Ability to discern between fact & fiction.
1.3.1 SCOPE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
The science which deals with the study of structure, organization, life processes,
interactions, origin and evolution of living organisms is called biology. Aristotle is regarded
to as the Father of Biology. Biological science has been divided into 3 main branches:
 Zoology: It is the study of animals and the facts related to their life.
 Botany: It deals with the study of plants.
 Microbiology: It deals with the study of simpler, unicellular and microscopic
organisms.
 Biology reveals to us the secrets of life uncovered by biologists through centuries of
researches.
 It is of great importance to mankind in a practical sense and has various scopes, some
of which are given below.
1. Anthropology:
 The science of man and mankind including the study of the physical and mental
constitution of man.

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 It also deals with the cultural development, social tradition as exhibited by them
both in their past and present.
2. Biomedical engineering:
 Branch of engineering dealing with the production of spare parts for man.
 Biomedical engineers help in manufacturing of artificial limbs, heart, lungs etc.
used by doctors to help impaired bodies function properly.
3. Biotechnology:
 It deals with the use of living organisms or of substances obtained from them in
industrial processes.
4. Food technology:
 The science of processing and preservation of healthy foods.
 Dairy technology: The application of science for the manufacture of milk product.
 Apiculture: The rearing of honey bees, bee keeping especially for commercial
purposes.
 Fishery or Pisiculture: The industry of rearing and catching fish or the products of
the sea, lakes, rivers or ponds.
 Sericulture: The breeding and treatment of silkworms for producing raw silk.
5. Genetic engineering:
 It involves genetic manipulations to produce an organism with a new combination
of genes to improve the varieties.
 Application of scientific knowledge to question civil and criminal laws is
called forensic science which includes the study of fingerprints, blood typing etc.
6. Veterinary medicine:
 It deals with the study of domesticated animals and their health care.
 The Science dealing with the rearing of domestic fowls such as chicken, ducks,
turkeys etc. is called poultry science.
7. Medicine:
 It is the science of treating diseases with drugs or curative substances.
 The science dealing with the study of nature of diseases, their causes, symptoms
and effects is called pathology.

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 The branch of medicine involving the physical operations to cure diseases or
injuries to the body is called surgery.
 The science of knowledge of drugs and preparation of medicine or drugs is
called pharmacology.
 Care of teeth, including cleaning and polishing, removal of spoiled teeth, filling
and fitting of artificial teeth is called dentistry.
8. Therapy:
 A method of treatment of convalescents and for physically handicapped people
utilizing light work of diversion, physical exercise or vocational training is
called occupational therapy.
 The treatment of diseases, bodily weakness or defects by physical remedies such
as massage and exercise is called physiotherapy.
1.4 Aims and Objectives of Teaching Biological Science in Schools
There are certain philosophies that suggest how we should live our live lives. We
have adopted a democratic way of life and our education should prove to be an instrument to
achieve our individual and social aims. Every subject, therefore, taught in the school has
some aims and objectives of its teaching.
The teaching of biological sciences has also certain aims and objectives for which this
is taught in the schools. These can be discussed as follows:-
1. Knowledge of teaching biological science
2. Skills of teaching biological science
3. Abilities of teaching biological science
4. Scientific methods of teaching biological science
5. Scientific attitudes of teaching biological science
6. Interests of teaching biological science
7. Appreciation of teaching biological science
8. Habit formation of teaching biological science
9. Career specialization of teaching biological science
10. Use of leisure of teaching biological science

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1. Knowledge of teaching biological science
One of the major aims of teaching biological sciences has been imparting knowledge
to the students. Knowledge in the form of the content may be various plants and animal
groups, structure and functions of organisms, interdependence of plants and animals, genetic
principles, molecular basis of life, evolution, dates, events, terminology and formulae
involved and application of the knowledge in our daily life activities etc.
Concepts are generally of three types viz.,
Classification - as all flowering plants are angiosperms.
Correlation - when you enter a warm room you perspire sweating is related to rise in
temperature.
Theoretical – An atom is made up of electrons, protons and neutrons.
2. Skills of teaching biological science
Teaching of biological sciences also aims at developing certain skills in the students.
These may be experimental, constructional and drawing skills. In experimental skills we can
include handling of apparatus that are used in life science practical, and set of experiments.
We can also make students learn collection, culturing and preservation of plant and animal
organisms. In constructional skills we can teach the students making of some simple
apparatus that can be used for experiments light screens or photosynthesis experiments or
some glass apparatus or preparation of certain stains or preservatives or models etc. in
developing drawing skills we can teach the methods of drawing of figures of plants and
animals and their internal structures. They can be asked to prepare certain parts of organisms
and systems. Along with this student skill in taking observations, solving problems and
making inquiry can be developed.
3. Abilities of teaching biological science
 Teaching of life sciences should also aim at developing certain abilities in the
students.
 These can be ability to sense problems, organization and interpretation of data,
analysis and drawing of generalizations and conclusions.

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 Students studying life sciences should be able to locate reliable source for data
collection. They should also be able to argue, discuss and use the terminology in
the subject.
 Students should also be able to apply their acquired knowledge in solving their daily
life problems.
4. Scientific attitude of teaching biological science
They should aim at developing a particular bent of mind, in the students towards
ideas, events and living world that based on scientific explanations is called scientific
attitude. For this purpose, this subject should be taught in a systematic way.
5. Scientific method of teaching biological science
Scientific method is a systematic way of solving problems.
This is a method that scientists undertake in every type of working. Scientific method
involves are defining the problem, making observations, hypothesis, testing the hypothesis
and drawing of conclusion or generalization.
Science enhances the quality of our life and it is visible in all walks of life. Since
science has been developed by people who are part of a group, society or a country, it is
expected that their social, psychological, political, economic perceptions could change the
course of development of science. The science education is aimed for the learner to
 know the facts and principles of science and its applications, consistent with the stage
of cognitive development;
 acquire the skills and understand the methods of processes that lead to generation and
validation of scientific knowledge;
 develop a historical and developmental perspective of science and to enable her to
view science as a continuing social enterprise;
 relate science education to environment (natural environment, artifacts and people),
local as well as global and appreciate the issues at the interface of science, technology and
society;
 acquire the requisite theoretical knowledge and practical technological skills to
enter the world of work;
 nurture the natural curiosity, aesthetic sense and creativity in science and technology;

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 imbibe the values of honesty, integrity, cooperation, concern for life and
preservation of environment; and
 Cultivate scientific temper- objectivity, scepticism, critical thinking and freedom
from fear and prejudice.
1.5 Values of Teaching Biological Science
Science has now become a compulsory subject in the school curriculum because of its
multifarious value to the individual as well as the society.
1. Intellectual Value:
The Science has introduced us to new ways of thinking and reasoning. Scientific
knowledge helps to sharpen our intellect & promotes intellectual honesty. The science
education can develop the positive attitudes like open mindedness such positive is helpful to
an individual to understand, evaluate and solve many problems faced in life.
2. Vocational Value:
In present age all the vocation need the knowledge of science more ever there are
large no of vocations for which study of science is compulsory requirement examples:
Medicine, Engineering, Computers, Para medicines, agriculture, etc. The study of science at a
school level is the basis of many vocations & other productive activities in the latter life of
students.
3. Aesthetic Value:
Knowledge of science develops in man a passion for truth & thus he has a passion for
beauty. The English Poet Keats has said, “Truth is Beauty.” Science is basically unfolding of
the mysteries of nature & nature is a storehouse of all the beautiful things. Thus the teaching
of science is necessary for developing an aesthetic sense in an individual.
4. Utilitarian Value:
Scientific principles & laws find a large number of applications in our everyday life.
For proper utility of such applications knowledge of science is necessary Electronics,
Electricity, Communication, transport, etc. all integral part of our life is strongly influenced
& advanced due to advancement in science. Thus the teaching of science is necessary from a
utilitarian point of view.
5. Cultural Value:
Science has played an important role in determining the culture & civilization of a
country from time to time. It has affected our way of thinking & way of living. Science has a
direct influence in dispelling many traditional beliefs. Science has made us more aware of the

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universe we live. The scientists take an equal responsible part in the vital issue of our country
so as to bring about the consideration & integration of scientific developments & our cultural
heritage.
6. Moral Value:
Knowledge of science develops in us truthfulness & reasoning. These qualities are
desirable in all human beings. These qualities make the life worth living. This could be
possible with the teaching of science.
7. Psychological Value:
Teaching of science is essential for developing scientific attitudes & scientific temper. The
principle of learning by doing is the main basis of the teaching of science & satisfies the instincts of
curiosity, creativity, self assertion, self expression etc. of the pupils.
8. Adjustment Value:
Science develops in us a scientific attitude. It also develops into an individual a
problem solving attitude. These attitudes help to solve any problems in life successfully. A
person having a scientific attitude lives a peaceful & successful life.
9. Leisure Time Value:
Science has helped us to overcome the problem of passing our leisure time & to make best
use of it. Science has provided us with a large number of devices such as television, radio, cinema
etc., which are the source of entertainment for all of us. They also serve as a source of knowledge &
are used for spread of mass education & making the community aware of dangers of various ills.
Science has also provided a large number of hobbies which we can pursue in our leisure time. For
example Photography. Thus, from the above discussion, it is very clear that a subject which is so
valuable & psychologically based and so closely connected with our daily life, is justified to be
included in the curriculum & hence science education is valuable in students individual life as also his
life in society.
Let us Sum Up
There is no definition of general science or science which is universally accepted. In
general we can define science as an accumulated and systematized learning in general usage
restricted to natural phenomenon. Science is the activity where truthfulness is obviously an
essential condition for success. Its success is measured by its truthfulness. Today each and
every occasion of life is influenced by science has become an integral part of our school
education system.

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Review Questions for Discussion
1. What is the meaning of biological science?
2. Write the nature and scope of biological science.
3. How will you determine the teaching points in biology?
4 Explain the aims and objectives of teaching biology.
5. What are the need and significance of teaching of biological science?