Science-technology-society: What are we doing in science education?

Abstract

This work has the aim to reflect on how science-technology-society (STS) is addressed in science education research in an Ibero-American context. In order to consider the different realities, papers published in Science Education journals, both in Brazil and Spain, are analysed, identifying which parameters of STS are relevant in these publications. Although more concern about technological development is observed in Brazil, in both countries STS problems focus on present the scientific knowledge to the students instead of considering their societal implications. These results highlight the need to introduce in the classroom the consideration of the purposes of scientific and technological development and their social consequences.