Science for sustainable development

Science for sustainable development and values of teaching science

1. Science for Sustainable Development & Values of Teaching Science Dr Sajeena S.

2. Science for Sustainable Development World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable development seeks to reconcile environmental protection and development; it means nothing more than using resources no faster than they can regenerate themselves, and releasing pollutants to no greater extent than natural resources can assimilate them.

3. Closure of substance cycles:   Modern microsystems and control technologies are also providing new opportunities to design environmentally friendly production processes. While filter and wastewater-treatment technologies have considerably enhanced air and water quality in recent years, they are never more than the second-best solution, and have been surpassed by integrated environmental technology, that is, technology that optimizes the use of materials and energy. This involves material-efficient, energy-efficient production processes as well as the manufacture of environmentally compatible products, especially those that generate little waste.

4. Environmentally compatible mobility:  Environmentally compatible traffic concepts are a particularly important category for innovation. Natural-gas engines, electric cars, hydrogen engines, and fuel-cell engines can all play a role in eliminating motor-vehicle emissions. Information and communication technologies can eliminate the need for physical transports in some areas, and computerized logistics in goods transports can reduce total transport distances.

5. Green Chemistry Green chemistry represents the pillars that hold up our sustainable future. It designs environment friendly and sustainable chemicals and process. Today the plastics are replaced by green plastics which may be cellulose based and starch based.

6. Biotechnology:  Biotechnology is expected to bring important advances in medical diagnosis and therapy, in solving food problems, in energy saving, in environmentally compatible industrial and agricultural production, and in specially targeted environmental protection projects. Genetically altered microorganisms can break down a wide range of pollutants by being used, for example, in bio-filters and wastewater-treatment facilities, and in the clean-up of polluted sites. Genetically modified organisms can also alleviate environmental burdens by reducing the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and medications.

7. Sustainability, as a strategic aim, involves optimizing the interactions between nature, society, and the economy, in accordance with ecological criteria. Political leaders and scientists alike face the challenge of recognizing interrelationships and interactions between ecological, economic, and social factors and taking account of these factors when seeking solution strategies. To meet this challenge, decision-makers require interdisciplinary approaches and strategies that cut across political lines. Environmental discussions must become more objective, and this includes, especially, debates about the risks of new technologies, which are often ideologically charged.

8. Values of Teaching Science Science has changed the pattern of life of human beings. Science has changed the society as a whole. People who have a positive attitude towards science and who can understand the needs and problems of the society and who can solve the problems in a systematic way are greatly looked upon. This accelerates the importance of science in society and day to day life of human beings, science is considered as the most important and compulsory subject in the school curriculum. For this we have to look into different values of science.

9. Intellectual Value

10. Social Value

11. Vast changes took place in the field of industry, medicine, agriculture, homes, clothing, transportation and communication. With the advent of automobiles world has become smaller and one can travel fast and transport goods and products. The development of communication devices such as the mobile phones, social communicating devices etc have over thrown the old ways of communication like telegraph, telephone, television, radio and radar. There has been great impact of social change through science in the field of health, agriculture, communication and technology, space research, education, nuclear science, and environmental science. Negative impact of social change through science includes underuse of technology, foeticide, cosmetic industry etc. thus students should be made aware of both these effects and give training to imbibe the positive effects of social change through science.

12. Practical Value or Utilitarian Value

13. Disciplinary Value Learning of science trains one in scientific method and develops scientific punctuality etc. Learning of science enables the students to develop scientific attitude and shows the traits like open mindedness, patience, accuracy etc. The mental power acquired by learning science will enable one to discipline oneself and thus help to be a useful member of the society. Other mental discipline characteristics of science is that it develops clear and vigorous thinking, coherent and logical deduction of exact and accurate observation. These attributes will be carried out in all his life activities.

14. Recreational Value Learning of science can cater to the recreational needs of individuals by offering a large number of opportunities such as movies, television, computer, audio-video equipment's and musical instruments. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement or pleasure and are considered to be fun. It helps to relax, reduce stress, sharpen skills and build self esteem and confidence. Education especially science education caters to this pertinent need of every individual. Science education can do this by developing in pupils’ interest, tastes and appreciation. The useful and gainful hobbies related to physical science like photography, construction of scientific toys, manufacturing tooth paste, inks, varnishes etc are not only interesting but are financially useful. Science stimulates and excites curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them.

15. Moral Value Science is pursuit of truth and person busy in pursuit of truth imbibes in himself the qualities of morality. Every scientific conclusion defends upon tests and actual observation and not by cheat and deceit. The idea "Truth is beauty” is always kept in view. Knowledge of science develops in us certain moral values like truth, beauty and goodness. They are considered as absolute values. These are good qualities desirable in all human beings. These qualities make one’s life worth living although there is erosion of moral values in present day due to overstressed materialistic greed of human beings. Scientific truths are based on clear observations of physical reality and can be tested through observations or experiments. Through science, the learner develops the habit of searching the truth.

16. Aesthetic Value Science itself has a desire for beauty. It is in the aesthetic aspect that the whole beauty of science lies. Scientists experience an intrinsic charm in revealing the harmony of nature. To a man of science, science is an art and he himself is an artist. Science has given us much facility to enjoy the beauty of natural and artificial phenomena and thus to experience the thrill and pleasure arising out of appreciation of beauty.